- The Manchester United versus Arsenal game will be played at the Old Trafford Stadium on Sunday.
- The two sides are currently facing an injury crisis that has seen seven of Manchester United players sidelined for the upcoming matches.
- Arsenal will miss five players including four forwards in this match.
With the three points crucial at this stage of the 2024/2025 Premier League season, the much awaited clash between long-term rivals Manchester United and Arsenal is expected to be a vital fixture.
However, an injury crisis in both camps, particularly the Manchester United one has not only negatively impacted the tactical plans but also raise serious questions about how the two clubs will raise to the occasion.
Manchester United, who are having one of their worst seasons in history, are guaranteed to miss seven players in the game that will be played at the Old Trafford Stadium from 7:30 PM East African Time (EAT).
On the other hand, Arsenal, who are very likely to fail to attain their goal of lifting the Premier League title this season, will travel to Manchester without five important players.
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SportPesa Blog takes a look at all the 12 injured players that will be sidelined on Sunday and their possible return dates.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal will be without five players who are nursing various types of injuries.
Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, who has previously had a stint with Man United foes Manchester City, will not play again this season after picking up an ACL injury in the FA Cup clash against the Red Devils at the start of the year.
Besides Jesus, the duo of Kai Havertz and Takehiro Tomiyasu recently underwent hamstring and knee surgery respectively, meaning they will return at the start of the 2025/2026 season.
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Meanwhile, the game against Man United will come early for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, who are on the verge of recovering from their hamstring issues. The two players are expected to return after the international break.
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is likely to continue using Mikel Merino in the striking position and replace him with Raheem Sterling in the second half of the game.
Arsenal’s Possible Starting Lineup
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Partey, Rice, Odegaard, Nwaneri, Merino, Trossard
Manchester United Team News
Similar to Arsenal, Manchester United’s squad has also been depleted with injuries. Firstly, FIFA World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez (knee) is ruled out of the rest of the season.
Ivorian forward Amad Diallo (ankle), who was starting to enjoy life under the management of Ruben Amorim, is also set to return to action next season.
Moreover, Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Mason Mount (hamstring), Luke Shaw (calf), Altay Bayındır (unspecified) and evergreen defender Jonny Evans (back) will also miss the game against Arsenal.
Finally, Amorim will also have to make a last minute decision regarding the involvement of the trio of Manuel Ugarte (knock), and Harry Maguire (knock).
Manchester United’s Possible Starting Lineup
Onana, Yoro, De Ligt, Lindelof, Mazraoui, Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Garnacho, Zirkzee, Hojlund
Despite the injury crisis facing Arsenal and Manchester United, football supporters should expect an entertaining match that is likely to end with both sides failing to keep a clean sheet.
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