None of Antony, Scott McTominay or Anthony Martial have travelled to Barcelona after missing training on Wednesday morning, it has been confirmed, ahead of Manchester Unitedβs clash with Barcelona.
The Europa League round of 32 clash takes place at Camp Nou on Thursday evening, and will see the two European giants battle it out for a place in the last 16 of the competition, where the likes of Arsenal, Real Betis, Freiburg and Fenerbahce await.
However, Erik ten Hag will have to deal with plenty of absentees for the tie. Christian Eriksen is injured until May, while both Lisandro Martinez and January signing Marcel Sabitzer are suspended for the clash, though Casemiro will return in a boost to the Red Devil ranks.
Manchester United’s Casemiro applauds the fans after the final whistle in the Carabao Cup fourth round match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Wednesday December 21, 2022. 2M4JXK2 Manchester United’s Casemiro applauds the fans after the final whistle in the Carabao Cup fourth round match at Old Trafford, Manchester. Picture date: Wednesday December 21, 2022. (Alamy Stock Photo)
It means that Ten Hag will be without six players as he looks to get one over on Xavi, who himself will be without Ousmane Dembele through injury, while Sergio Busquets is also likely to be absent.
Jadon Sancho is expected to start in place of Antony, while Casemiro and Fred are the only available midfield pairing for the Red Devils and Wout Weghorst is set to continue his role up front despite plenty of questions about his ability to lead the line for Manchester United in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has excelled at centre-back in the absence of Lisandro Martinez, and is expected to do so again on Thursday despite more natural centre-back Harry Maguire starting alongside him on Sunday.