Marcel Sabitzer has been ruled out of Manchester United’s Europa League first leg match with Real Betis.
The Austria international is out with an injury, Erik ten Hag has confirmed.
Quoted via the club website, Ten Hag said: “The only disappointment is Marcel Sabitzer is not available.”
He also explained the expected news that Anthony Martial is also unavailable, although he is training.
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Sabitzer injury impact United
Manchester United’s midfield options are stretched heading into Thursday’s game at Old Trafford.
Sabitzer had been brought into the squad on loan from Bayern Munich as cover for the injured Christian Eriksen.
Donny van de Beek is also out with injury for the rest of the season.
This leaves Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay as Manchester United’s three midfield options for four positions.
Youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Zidane Iqbal are likely to be on the bench. Both players featured for the under-21s on Monday night.
After a woeful display against Liverpool, Sabitzer would have been a useful option to freshen up the midfield. This is no longer an option for Thursday.
It is unclear if Sabitzer will also be injured for the home game with Southampton for the weekend.
Sabitzer has made seven appearances for Manchester United so far, three as a starter.
Ten Hag did not mention Casemiro, suggesting he is in line to play despite reports of a possible knock against Liverpool.
The Brazilian is walking a disciplinary tightrope. He is only one booking away from a suspension.
The manager did also use his press conference to back Bruno Fernandes amid the criticism he has received since the weekend defeat.