Rúben Amorim has issued a full update on his Manchester United squad’s injury list ahead of their crunch clash against Arsenal, including a hint on Chido Obi’s role.
Manchester United return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they host Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Rúben Amorim’s side were last in action during the week, drawing 1-1 with Real Sociedad in San Sebastián. Joshua Zirkzee gave United the lead, but a controversial penalty decision saw the hosts equalise, leaving Amorim’s men frustrated.
This will be the third meeting between United and Arsenal this season. The Gunners claimed a 2-0 win at the Emirates in December, but United responded in the FA Cup a month later, winning a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Now, with Arsenal visiting Old Trafford for the first time under Amorim’s management, the Portuguese coach will be looking to build on his recent success against Arteta’s side and continue United’s push for a strong finish to the season.
Amorim provides the latest on multiple injuries
Speaking in his pre-match press conference against Arsenal, Amorim provided a very informative update on the latest injury isseues in his squad.
Although he ruled Lisandro Martínez out until the end of the campaign, he also hinted that Amad may be able to return for the end of the season, although this is far from confirmed.
“I think it’s just Amad and Lisandro Martinez [who won’t be back this season]. But even with Amad, we will see in the last month. I don’t want to say anything, but I hope to have Amad back before the end of the season.”
Amorim also explained that Kobbie Mainoo would return before the end of the campaign, while Mason Mount and Luke Shaw were in a similar position. However, he also explained he doesn’t think that Harry Maguire or Manuel Ugarte will return in time to face Arsenal.
“Lisandro is out. Kobbie Mainoo can return [before the end of the season]. Harry Maguire, we have to be careful. Manuel Ugarte will return. I think Luke Shaw and Mason Mount can return also. Let’s talk about Sunday, and we’ll see, but the others are definitely going to return, especially Mount.”
Beyond this, Amorim will also be unable to select left wing-back Patrick Dorgu as he serves the second of a three-game ban for a red card received against Ipswich Town last week.
Jonny Evans, Tom Heaton, and Altay Bayındır all remain unavailable for selection as they recover from their respective injuries.
Amorim hints at big Obi role
Further, Amorim hinted that Chido Obi may have a role to play when United line up against the young striker’s former club.
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“Everybody can start,” said Amorim. “If they are training, if they played (against Real Sociedad), they can be ready, and Chido is on the list, so he can play.”
This comes after Arteta himself admitted that Obi’s departure from North London was unfortunate and a decision he was not involved in.
“It was very unfortunate,” Arteta admitted to the press when speaking on Friday afternoon. “I wasn’t too involved in that decision. When a player decides the best pathway is to leave there’s not much you can do.”
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