Manchester United could be without five players against Aston Villa

Manchester United could be without five players against Aston Villa

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial remain injured for Man United before their match against Aston Villa.

Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez picked up a knee injury during the West Ham win

Manchester United could be without five players for their Premier League match-up with Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm). Erik ten Hag and his team have recorded back-to-back wins as they prepare to make the trip down to Villa Park in a bid to close the gap on the Champions League spots.

 

 

Villa currently hold a six-point advantage on United while sitting in fourth place. However, it was United who got three points in the corresponding fixture at Old Trafford with Rasmus Hojlund completing a stunning comeback as the home side fought from two goals down to win 3-2 on Boxing Day.

 

United have been hit harder than most when it comes to injury problems this season. But while the physio’s room at Carrington is quieter than it was, there are still one or two glaring absentees for Ten Hag’s squad.

 

Lisandro Martinez has been sidelined for two months after going down clutching his knee during the win over West Ham amid initial fears that the timeframe might have been even more drastic. Martinez had only just won back his place in the starting XI after a lengthy absence due to a troublesome foot injury.

 

 

“It’s a setback of course,” said Ten Hag about World Cup winner Martinez in his pre-match press conference. “You see his contribution to the team when he’s playing.

 

“Apart from his technical skills, he also bring mentality into our team, but it’s a big setback. He’s disappointed, but he’s a fighter, he will be back and he will be back stronger.”

 

Tyrell Malacia (knee) and England regular Mason Mount (calf) remain on the treatment table. Anthony Martial (groin) has undergone surgery, meanwhile, and United will not be able to call upon him until April – at the earliest – amid suggestions he might have made his last appearance for the club.

 

Aaron Wan-Bissaka was expected to step-up his recovery for the Villa game. However, manager Ten Hag said in his pre-match press conference that the right-back has been dealt a setback.

 

 

The 26-year-old attempted to train on Thursday morning. Wan-Bissaka had to cut short his involvement, however, and the defender will not be available.

 

“I don’t know in this moment what the diagnosis is,” said Ten Hag. “Hopefully not too bad.”