Manchester United travel to Arsenal on Sunday with injury concerns affecting both sides ahead of the crucial Premier League encounter at the Emirates Stadium
Matthijs de Ligt is set to miss Man United's clash with Arsenal.
Matthijs de Ligt is set to miss Man United's clash with Arsenal.(Image: (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images))
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Manchester United will be without Matthijs de Ligt as Michael Carrick revealed the Dutch defender suffered a setback in his recovery.
The positive atmosphere has returned to United following their outstanding victory over Manchester City during Carrick's second spell as caretaker manager. United can move into the top four if results go in their favour with Liverpool facing a tough trip to face Bournemouth.
United are buoyant after their comfortable 2-0 win over their rivals Manchester City but they face a stern test when they travel to Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday (4.30pm kick-off).
They will be without De Ligt but the defender could make his comeback from injury in the forthcoming weeks. However, his recovery from a back problem has caused a delay to his return timeline.
Carrick said: "He had a bit of setback before I arrived, only small. He was a little bit slower than we had liked.
"He's getting closer. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks he will be back and around it."
Joshua Zirkzee will also be absent for the journey to the capital, whilst rumours about his future persist. The Dutch striker was compelled to pull out of the victory against City with a knock, and has been unavailable for preparations ahead of facing Arsenal.
The United interim manager said: "I will not tell you the team. No everyone came through the game really well actually.
"It has been a good week. A big result, a big performance and a big uplift with the feeling inside the stadium.
"It is finding a balance between getting the encouragement and confidence from the game and performance and keeping level headed and keeping our feet on the ground.
"We have got another big game coming up. One game does not make a great team. It gives us a great foundation to build on. There's a lot of confidence, a lot of good feeling in the group but measured with that is we know what is coming - and we have got to be ready for it."
Arsenal are racing against the clock to have both Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori available for Sunday's fixture. The Gunners' defensive personnel returned to training on Friday in preparation for the match.
Arteta commented: "Yeah we have another training session. We'll see and make a decision on the squad."
Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie are both back in Arsenal training
Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie are both back in Arsenal training(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Calafiori suffered an injury during the warm-up before December's victory against Brighton. The defender has been absent from the last eight matches in all competitions due to a muscle problem, though he has gradually worked his way back to full fitness.
Hincapie, who is on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has been unavailable since being substituted during this month's scoreless stalemate with defending champions Liverpool. A groin problem has ruled the Ecuadorian out of contention, but his comeback to training provides Arteta with additional defensive options.
Over the past 24 hours, reports have surfaced suggesting Arsenal have concerns regarding Kai Havertz's fitness levels. The German international has recovered from a severe knee problem, yet he remains waiting for his second league start of the campaign.
The 26-year-old encountered a complication during his recovery process, though he did manage to return to Arsenal's substitutes' bench in late December. His battle for complete fitness continues, with reports suggesting his playing time will be carefully monitored.
Max Dowman continues his recovery after sustaining ankle ligament damage during a private friendly match. That fixture was, coincidentally, against Sunday's opposition, Man Utd, last month.
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