Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has provided an injury update on defensive midfielder Marcel Sabitzer following his side’s 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Austrian midfielder’s inclusion in the starting XI was expected after his recent brace against Sevilla in the Europa League.
However, the 29-year-old was forced to leave the game because of a warm-up injury. Shortly after, Christian Eriksen was allowed to take his spot in the starting lineup.
After the game, Ten Hag admitted that the midfielder ‘felt something’ and that it was not worth the risk to let him continue. As reported by the club’s official website, the Dutch boss said:
“He had a problem in the warm-up. We didn’t take the risk. We already had some injuries, so we have to find out tomorrow. Hopefully, it’s not a big injury. We chose not to go into the game with the risk.”
Injuries have been a terrible problem for United. They are now without Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Tyrell Malacia, who are all important defenders.
Alongside Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho, and Marcus Rashford are also sidelined. Sabitzer has now joined the list as the most recent player to enter the long injury list.
With only five academy graduates on the bench today, Ten Hag will be hoping for some good injury news over the next few days.
The players who appear to be the closest to returning are Rashford, Shaw, and McTominay, though it is uncertain whether they will be available for the second-leg Europa League match against Sevilla. Also, Bruno Fernandes won’t be available for the clash as he has been suspended.
On Thursday, United will travel to Sevilla with the belief that they make it through to the next round even with limited options available.
