Victor Lindelof is having to deal with a persistent issue since the start of the season.
The Swede has admitted he is playing through a “lot of pain” at the moment and has been selected ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United.
He’s made 17 appearances across all competitions and as a regular alongside Harry Maguire, questions are still asked of United defensively. Today they face Marcelo Bielsa’s side who like to attack at all costs.
On top of that, Lindelof has started United’s last nine Premier League matches, with his latest display coming in the 3-2 win away at Sheffield United on Thursday. He provided the assist for Marcus Rashford to score his first goal of the night against the Blades.
The 26-year-old has revealed he is dealing with a back injury.
“I want to help this team win trophies — that’s why I play football. If the team needs me, I’m going to do my best to be there and try to perform at the highest level,” Lindelof told The United Review. “Even if I have some pain, I still want to go out there and do my best.
“I’ve been having a lot of pain and I still have problems with it. I’m in every day trying to sort it out but the schedule is very, very tight so I’m just trying to keep it under control.
“It’s been difficult, particularly after games, but I’m trying to be as smart as possible with it when I’m playing, when I’m doing my recovery and having treatment.”
This may help explain why United are having problems in defence — that we have players who are playing through niggles each week. Of course, it’s part of the game and I’m sure most players play through some pain every week, but does this make Lindelof think twice about doing things in matches?
I ask because, at times it looks like it.
Lindelof is not worried about the public’s perception of him, adding: “I think I’ve been performing well.
“It was strange at the beginning of the season because we only had 10 days off and the body and the mind were a bit tired, but after that, me, and also the team, have been performing much better — I’m pleased with that. The results have also got better with time. I’m just focused on the most important thing which is getting the result for the team.
“Regarding credit and stuff, that’s not important to me, I just want to help the team, and as long as my team-mates and the coaches trust me, that’s the best thing for me, it’s always been that.
“I don’t really think about anything else. I just try to go out there, do my best and hopefully I can help make my team-mates better as well.”
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