Four players were missing from Manchester United training as the team prepared for their Europa League play-off against Barcelona.
Erik ten Hag and his travelling squad will be flying to Barcelona this afternoon for the opening leg of the tie at Camp Nou. The return fixture takes place at Old Trafford next week, ahead of United’s Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.
Marcel Sabitzer was one of the four players missing from training, but it is possible that he was given the day off because he won’t be playing in Barcelona because he picked up three yellow cards in the Champions League group stages.
Antony was also absent from training and this won’t come as a big surprise either. The Brazil star was ruled out with an injury for the Leeds clash last week and there’s no signs yet that he is ready to return.
The other two absentees include Scott McTominay and Anthony Martial. Neither player has been given a return date, at least publicly, although Ten Hag will be speaking to the press later this evening.
United training at Carrington ahead of flying to Barcelona later. Martinez training despite being suspended, but Sabitzer (also suspended) not training. No McTominay, Antony or Martial #mufc pic.twitter.com/DGSTVpQZL9
— Tyrone Marshall (@TyMarshall_MEN) February 15, 2023
Meanwhile, Sky Sports News had some video footage of the training session, courtesy of Football Daily.
✅ Morning session before heading to Barcelona. @footballdaily #MUFC
pic.twitter.com/THY67CNgmT— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) February 15, 2023
Full Manchester United training squad, as per the Manchester Evening News:
Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Jack Butland, Tom Heaton, Nathan Bishop.
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Brandon Williams.
Midfielders: Casemiro, Fred, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Zidane Iqbal.
Forwards: Anthony Elanga, Alejandro Garnacho, Facundo Pellistri, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Wout Weghorst.
man u will lost this game 2-1