Arsenal have been handed a huge boost ahead of their important Premier League game against Manchester United, which takes place on Wednesday 4 December 2024 at 20:15 GMT.
Manchester United are unbeaten under new manager Ruben Amorim, who was appointed following the recent sacking of Erik ten Hag, but the former Sporting CP boss will need to contend with the absence of two of his best players when the Red Devils visit the Emirates Stadium next week.
Amorim’s side made a statement with their 4-0 win over Premier League strugglers Everton at Old Trafford on Sunday, but their worst fears were realised when both Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez were issued yellow cards in the 49th and 51st minute respectively.
Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo (Image credit: Getty Images)
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This was both players’ fifth booking of the 2024/25 Premier League season so far, meaning that will both now have to serve an automatic one-game suspension – thus ruling them out of the game against Arsenal on Wednesday.
With Manchester United operating with a back three since Amorim’s appointment, as is the 39-year-old’s preferred tactical configuration, options to replace Martinez are limited.
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The two most likely candidates to fill the void in defence left by the Argentinian international are Harry Maguire, or possibly Lule Shaw who, despite not being a natural centre-back, has played there plenty throughout his career and is the only left-footed option for the role.
Mainoo’s absence, while still a bitter blow for Manchester United, carries what is likely a much more straightforward solution, with summer signing Manuel Ugarte likely to be given just his fourth start of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, although Mason Mount could also operate in that role if called upon.
Having scored 13 goals in their last three games in all competitions, most recently with a 5-2 win away to London rivals West Ham, Arsenal will be confident of achieving a positive result regardless of who starts for the visitors on Wednesday.
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