Anthony Martial and Casemiro will return, but Marcus Rashford will be unavailable for the game between Manchester United and Sevilla.
Manchester United will aim to inch closer to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals when they welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford on Thursday night. And Erik ten Hag has a new issue hampering his preparations ahead of his side’s latest fixture.
Marcus Rashford is the most notable absentee due to a groin injury. The Englishman is out of action for the foreseeable future and will miss the next few games. But there is some good news, as Casemiro will return after serving a suspension in the Premier League.
But Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw, Donny van de Beek, and Alejandro Garnacho remain on the sidelines. Meanwhile, ten Hag discussed Rashford’s injury during his pre-match press conference. He also said that Anthony Martial is ready to start after making a few appearances off the bench.
The Dutchman said, “He [Rashford] is optimistic and he has started straight on his recovery and his rehab. That helps him to get back soon. It’s a few games. I can’t give more details because we have to see how the injury develops.”
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On Martial, ten Hag said, “I think he is ready to start a game, yeah. I think already against Everton he was ready to start the game. But I have to say that the front line against Brentford and Everton worked really well.”
“We were continually a threat and it was difficult for the opponent to defend. The advantage was also that we could bring Anthony Martial slowly back into the team, give him some minutes and get him used to games at the highest level, and highest intensity.”
Rashford’s injury means ten Hag will have to make one forced change. Martial should replace the Englishman, taking his spot as the central striker. And Jadon Sancho and Antony will be the two wide attackers, with Bruno Fernandes reprising the no. 10 role.
Casemiro’s availability means he is an automatic pick in the double pivot. Marcel Sabitzer should join the Brazilian in the middle of the park. So Fred and Christian Eriksen will be among the backup midfield options on the bench.
As for the defensive unit, ten Hag should make a few changes. Raphael Varane will replace Harry Maguire in the central defensive partnership. And Diogo Dalot will likely come in for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the right-back berth. Finally, Tyrell Malacia will start in Shaw’s absence, with David de Gea starting between the sticks.
Predicted Manchester United XI: de Gea; Dalot, Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Malacia; Casemiro, Sabitzer; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Sancho; Martial