Good And Bad News For Manchester United Ahead Of Europa League Last-16 Match

Manchester United have suffered a blow as their key forward Anthony Martial will be missing their upcoming Europa League match due to an injury.

Martial hurt himself after he collided to the post during Man Utd’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford in their Premier League meeting last week. While it is certain that he would be missing The Red Devils’ Europa clash against LASK, he is also doubtful for their match against Tottenham in the Premier League, scheduled for Sunday.

Man Utd and LASK are set to play their first leg of Europa League’s last-16 behind closed doors as a precaution against coronavirus. Considering Martial’s current form, his absence will be felt sorely in the Man Utd camp, especially when they are already without their leading scorer, Marcus Rashford.

Martial, who also scored in Red Devils’ 2-0 victory over Man City, now has netted 16 times for his side across competitions this season including 11 in the Premier League. His absence meant, Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would choose between Odion Ighalo and Mason Greenwood – the only fit strikers on the Man Utd bench now.

“Anthony hurt himself when he slid into a post so he’s not ready, hopefully, he’s ready for Sunday so but I’m not sure – he’s struggling a little bit. Paul is getting closer – he’s not trained yet or fully with the team but by next week he will be ready,” said Solskjaer, who hinted that Man Utd’s another key player Paul Pogba could soon make a comeback from his long injury break.

Pogba last featured in Man Utd’s team in their Boxing Day fixture against Newcastle that the former had won 4-1. He suffered an ankle injury in the game. He has made just eight appearances all season due to multiple injury concerns.

Man Utd are currently placed fifth in the Premier League points table but they are just three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.