Manchester United defender’s availability doubtful for crucial Bayern Munich tie

Galatasaray's Uruguayan midfielder #34 Lucas Torreira goes for a header with Manchester United's Swedish defender #02 Victor Lindelof during the UEFA Champions League 1st round, day 5, Group A football match between Galatasaray and Manchester United at Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi in Istanbul, on November 29, 2023. (Photo by YASIN AKGUL / AFP)

Manchester United could be without Victor Lindelof for Tuesday night’s Champions League decider against Bayern Munich. The Swede was absent for Saturday’s embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. 

Erik ten Hag addressed the media on Monday afternoon at his press conference and gave a vague update on the fitness of his team.

Lindelof was replaced at half-time in last week’s 2-1 win over Chelsea and was forced to miss the 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday as a result. It was hoped that the Sweden international would return in time to face Bayern Munich, but Ten Hag didn’t sound entirely convinced and the team has another training session before the game.

“It’s a condensed programme, so we have training,” Ten Hag said, as per the Manchester Evening News. “In this moment, I’m not sure about everyone who’s available for tomorrow. Question mark is Victor Lindelof, if he can make it or not. We have to wait and see until tomorrow to know.”

Lindelof’s absence will raise a question about who starts alongside Harry Maguire at centre-back? Does Ten Hag call upon Raphael Varane again, or does he stick with Luke Shaw in such a big game? These are all big questions and we won’t know the answer until tomorrow night.

Jonny Evans returned from injury over the weekend, so the Northern Ireland international is expected to be fit enough if the manager decides to start him.

Let us know in the comment section who you would start at centre-back against Bayern.

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