Erik ten Hag has provided a fresh team news update ahead of Manchester United’s trip to face West Ham United on Saturday.
The Red Devils have been plagued with a debilitating injury crisis since the term began, with almost every outfield player missing at least one game through fitness or illness concerns.
Alas, it’s no surprise that United’s form has faltered. While you’d still expect the squad to be strong enough to see out results, Ten Hag hasn’t been able to deploy his first-choice starting 11 each week and has undoubtedly felt the impact.
Heading into the jam-packed festive period of fixtures, the manager will be without Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia.
Ten Hag on sidelined Reds
He spoke to the media this afternoon regarding his options for the Irons clash, saying (via ManUtd.com): “We have some doubts, we have some illnesses during the week, so we have to see who is available for tomorrow. Hopefully, they are recovered but we have to see.”
The Dutchman also shared estimated return timeframes for the long-term absentees, adding: “They [Martinez and Casemiro] are not available before Christmas. Mid-January, we expect them back.
“Mason Mount is similar, into January. Harry Maguire, I expect him early on [in the new year]. Victor Lindelof is not available. He has done surgery so he will be out for a couple of weeks.”
