Manchester United are contending with a series of absentees ahead of Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth round clash but opponents Nottingham Forest are not finding things any easier on the injury front.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Erik ten Hag’s opposite number – former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo – was also left counting the cost of an injury crisis which is not making his job any easier.
Defenders Willy Boly and Ola Aina and top scorer Chris Wood all missed Saturday’s 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa. As did £30 million midfielder Ibrahim Sangare.
Nuno Tavares, the Arsenal loanee, was also ruled out just before kick-off at Villa Park, with Nuno now confirming that none of the aforementioned quintet will be back in time to play a part against Manchester United tonight.
Manchester United face Nottingham Forest in FA Cup
“Unfortunately, nothing has changed,” Nuno sighs, via the Manchester Evening News. “We still have the problems of the injured players.
“Of course, it is a big problem for us. (The injuries are) creating a lot of problems in terms of options for us. So hopefully this will improve, and we have more solutions.
“We are all asking why. This is our main question; ‘Why is this happening to us?’”
Ten Hag could be forgiven for raising his hands to the sky and wondering aloud something very similar. The embattled Dutchman has already lost Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw to potential season-ending injuries, while the in-form Rasmus Hojlund will not take part at the City Ground either. Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount, meanwhile, are long-term absentees.
To make matters worse, United may also be without centre-half duo Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane. And when even the uber-fit Bruno Fernandes is a ‘doubt’, you know luck is not on your side.
Two injury-hit clubs go head-to-head
“We have some question marks in our squad,” Ten Hag tells MUTV. “Harry Maguire will not be available. Bruno is doubtful. Also, Rapha Varane is doubtful.
“We have to watch and see what we will have and then pick a team, with the aim of course (of winning). It’s an FA Cup game, so it’s about win or lose. Black or white. We have to win and that should be our approach.
“We have to show (character). I know we can be at our best in the moment, where we are in such a moment in adversity, and we are staying together. I know the fans, we will be strong together. And we will go into that fight to win the game.”
Ten Hag did, at least, confirm that Casemiro and Victor Lindelof would be available.
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