Manchester United take on rivals Man City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday night at Old Trafford
Unlike in previous years when the semi-final of the League Cup would consist of two legs, this year it will be a single tie to decide who plays in the eagerly awaited Wembley final.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gave an update on his squad’s well-being ahead of the match and only has one player out injured as things stand. However, Edinson Cavani is also out due to suspension.
The player out injured won’t come as a surprise to anyone.
“We’re disappointed not having Edinson involved, he’s probably the only one and Phil Jones who’s been out for a very long time,” Solskjaer said via Manchester Evening News. “The only two not available for selection, which is a good situation to be in.”
Whatever about Jones, we’ve come to expect he will be missing every week at this rate, but the Cavani case is really unfortunate.
The Uruguayan was recently handed a three-game ban, £100,000 fine and the requirement to complete education on racism after using the term ‘Negrito’ on Instagram. He used the word in reply to a congratulatory message from a friend after leading the Red Devils to a comeback win against Southampton.
Solskjaer was also asked about the importance of the Carabao Cup — after reaching the semi-finals last season and losing to City.
He added: “It’s always a good question – how important is it and then I can ask very. The next game is always important, the semi-final is a chance to get to a final, next round and for this team it would be a very, very big step, getting hands on a trophy, developed a lot in last 12 months, since last semi, not just learning to win semis, we’ve earned the right to go all the way with performances, confident with form so no excuses.
“Of course, you play football to win trophies, to get your hands on a trophy even though when you win you move onto the next one but it gives you hunger to win more, squad is focused, ready to give it a go and prepared well for this game.”
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