With the 2022 Qatar World Cup just over a month away, it’s agony rather than ecstasy for some footballers who have picked up injuries keeping them out of the tournament.
Premier League stars Diogo Jota, Alexander Isak and Kalvin Phillips have all been ruled out, with England right backs Reece James and Kyle Walker both doubts for the trip to the Middle East.
Thankfully at Manchester United, there have been no major injuries yet that should affect both club and country, with manager Erik ten Hag being very careful in managing his players’ minutes.
Ahead of United’s clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Ten Hag said: “You see around many clubs now many injuries are coming up. You can’t avoid it, with tough football, injuries will come. This many games in a long season and what a huge problem is players don’t get a break in the summer, a huge overload and they can’t recover.”
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Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly, unhappily trudged off the Old Trafford pitch in the 72nd minute, as the number seven was lit up on the fourth official’s board last Sunday in United’s 0-0 draw to Newcastle.
Ronaldo was replaced by Marcus Rashford, and Ten Hag believes squad rotation is very important, especially considering the circumstances.
“You have to manage that [injury], [and] protect players,” he said.
Currently, United have Anthony Martial, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire out due to injuries.
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Ten Hag continued: “You have to rotate, you need a squad, keep everyone fresh to avoid big injuries as much as you can and to get them in the right shape and keep them in the right form.”
In the remaining days of October, the Reds still have four games to play, having already faced Manchester City, Omonia, Everton and Newcastle.
Topics: Manchester United, Football World Cup, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur
Aadam Haladh