As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United will be without seven key first-team players when they face Barcelona in the first leg of the Europa League knockout playoff today.
The Red Devils will have to face a difficult test at Camp Nou, and manager Erik ten Hag will have to make some tough decisions without a number of crucial players. Due to recent injuries, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, and Antony will not participate in tomorrow’s game after being left off the roster.
Along with them, Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer are suspended, and Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are out with long-term injuries.
Martinez had three yellow cards during the Europa League group stage, earning him a one-game European suspension. While playing for Bayern Munich in the Champions League, Sabitzer was also shown three yellow cards. The Europa League is still subject to prohibition.
Thus, United will be without seven of its players on Thursday but will still have Casemiro available. Although the Brazilian is currently serving a three-game domestic ban, his participation in the Europa League will not be affected.
Even though United will be without four to five regular starters for the opening leg, Ten Hag will still be working to get something out of the midweek trip to Barcelona.
The Red Devils won’t have it easy against the current La Liga leaders. They will need to be confident in defence as the Blaugrana possess strong attacking players.
In Martinez’s absence, Luke Shaw has already been used as the left centre-back, and he may play in the same position against Barca. The presence of Casemiro in midfield is a great plus, but Fred must also show up. The action in the middle of the field may likely decide the result of the game.
A victory for United would be fantastic, but a draw is also a respectable result. Prior to the second-leg home advantage, the Red Devils cannot afford a costly loss.
