Man United dealt with ANOTHER injury blow as Erik ten Hag makes last-minute change before kick-off
Manchester United have been dealt with ANOTHER injury blow as Erik ten Hag was forced to change his starting XI prior to kick-off against Nottingham Forest.
Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez sustained injuries in the draw against Sevilla in midweek, with the Frenchman expected to be out for a few weeks while the Argentine's season is over.
Ten Hag is already without the likes of star forward Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw ahead of a crucial run-in as the Red Devils continue to fight on three fronts.
He could now be without Marcel Sabitzer for a period of time after the Austrian midfielder withdrew from the line-up against Forest.
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Sabitzer, who scored two goals against Sevilla, has suffered a reported groin injury, with Christian Eriksen taking his spot in the team.
🚨| Marcel Sabitzer pulls out of the starting line-up due to fitness, with Christian Eriksen now starting! pic.twitter.com/1EQSzrzlwS
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) April 16, 2023
Eriksen himself has only returned to the fold following his own injury, having been out of action since his side's FA Cup win over Reading in January.
He starts his first game since recovering from his knee injury and could enjoy an extended spell in the team following Sabitzer's injury.
The Bayern Munich loanee starred against Sevilla, scoring a brace as he adopted a more advanced role.
Speaking ahead of Man United's trip to the City Ground, Ten Hag said the injuries are an opportunity for other players to contribute.
"When players drop out, others have to step in and therefore you have a squad," he said during his pre-match press conference. "It's not always easy to not always be a starter, but when your time's coming, you have to show it. And you have to show the demands of a big club like Manchester United if you want to be here.
"Other players will now get their opportunities and they have to take them and they have to contribute to the team and to make the season a success."
Topics: Football, Manchester United
Nasir Jabbar