As revealed by Erik ten Hag, Manchester United striker Anthony Martial is not expected to start against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League game on Sunday.
The French striker started in United’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford on Thursday, marking his first appearance in three months. The 27-year-old attacker was taken off after 62 minutes of the Europa League match due to a hip injury.
During his pre-game press conference on Friday, Erik ten Hag was asked if Martial will keep playing up front against Forest. However, the gaffer admitted that Wout Weghorst may be recalled to the starting lineup for the Premier League clash.
As reported by the Mirror, Ten Hag said:
“Maybe he can, but it’s a risk and we can’t take that risk at this moment because we don’t have so many options in the frontline with [Marcus] Rashford and [Alejandro] Garnacho injured, so we have to be careful.”
“Also, in the individual prospect, we know when there’s a lot of loads he gets injured and we have to build it, especially when the games come quick.”
United’s squad has been plagued by a number of injury issues as they strive for a cup treble and a top-four Premier League finish. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez both hobbled off the field against Sevilla and it is unknown how long Ten Hag will be without these key centre-backs.
Donny van de Beek won’t be able to play again this year because of a knee issue, and Garnacho is dealing with an ankle problem as well.
Rashford is expected to make a speedy recovery from a groyne injury and Tom Heaton is dealing with a similar problem to the Argentine. Due to injuries, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay were both unable to play against Sevilla. However, they are anticipated to play against Forest.
Martial has been United’s first-choice striker and has contributed greatly whenever he is fit, scoring seven goals and dishing out three assists in 18 appearances.
Meanwhile, second-choice striker, Weghorst also has contributed three assists in addition to two goals in 21 appearances since joining United in January.
