Manchester United have been dealt an untimely new injury blow ahead of the second leg of their Europa League semi-final with Athletic Bilbao, as Matthijs de Ligt sustained an injury in their Premier League battle with Brentford.
The 25-year-old started alongside Luke Shaw and the young Tyler Fredricson in defence for the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, having made his comeback from a foot problem off the bench in the 3-0 win over Athletic in midweek.
De Ligt had missed Man United’s last four Premier League games before Sunday’s visit to the capital, but the Dutchman’s race was run in the first half following a collision.
De Ligt was left on the turf holding his right leg and raised his arm to signal that he had to come off, as Ruben Amorim threw Harry Maguire into the mix to replace the stricken former Ajax man.
The Man United boss will no doubt be asked for an update on De Ligt’s condition in his post-game press conference, but the centre-back has already emerged as a doubt for Thursday’s second leg with Athletic.
The potential loss of De Ligt would be another bitter blow to Man United, as the Netherlands international has been fundamental to all of Erik ten Hag, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Amorim this season, making 42 appearances in all competitions and scoring two goals.
What could Man United’s defence look like against Athletic?
As Man United fans wait with bated breath to hear the latest on De Ligt’s condition, Amorim could simply opt for the same defensive formula he went with during the stellar first-leg success.
In Bilbao, Maguire lined up alongside Leny Yoro and Victor Lindelof, both of whom were also dropped down to the bench against Brentford but will expect to return for the second leg.
Yoro actually came on at half time against Brentford, replacing Shaw as the England international regains full match fitness, and that change should occur from the first whistle this week.
Amorim will also hope to have Noussair Mazraoui back for the visit of Athletic after the Moroccan failed to make the squad against Brentford, although his absence was for more precautionary reasons than a sign of anything sinister.
Toby Collyer may also return from a knock in time for Thursday, but Ayden Heaven (ankle), Diogo Dalot (calf), Joshua Zirkzee (thigh) and Lisandro Martinez (knee) will play no part in the second leg.
However, as long as Man United do not suffer a four-goal capitulation at home, they will set up a date with either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League final, where success will punch their ticket to next season’s Champions League.
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