Why Aston Villa's best possible Marcus Rashford alternative this summer still might not be good enoughWhy Aston Villa's best possible Marcus Rashford alternative this summer still might not be good enough
Why Aston Villa's best possible Marcus Rashford alternative this summer still might not be good enough | Getty Images
The latest squad news for Manchester United and Aston Villa ahead of their final clash of the season.
It’s been a campaign to forget for Ruben Amorim’s side. While Villa will be fighting for a crucial win that could reward them with Champions League football, United are desperately hoping they won’t finish 17th.
Tottenham Hotspur have one final chance to wound United after snubbing them of the Europa League title just four days ago. Despite their historic triumph in Bilbao, Spurs have also endured a Premier League run to forget, and currently sit above the relegated three.
If the North Londoners beat Brighton and United drop points against Villa, Spurs will leapfrog into 16th place and force United to settle for the lowest possible finish without being relegated.
There’s a lot riding on this performance to avoid ending a troublesome season on an incredibly sour note. Both United and Aston Villa will have some players missing through injury - let’s take a look at who they are and where they are at with their fitness.
Man United injury news
Lisandro Martinez - out
Lisandro Martinez continues to recover from his recent surgery on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. There has been no estimated return date for the Argentinian as of yet.
Potential return date: Unknown
Matthijs de Ligt - out
Matthijs de Ligt has been out with a knee injury since he was forced off against Brentford and did not train with the team ahead of the clash with Spurs. With nothing but pride resting on this final game, it makes sense to not rush De Ligt back to action.
Potential return date: Pre-season
Leny Yoro - doubt
Despite starting against Spurs in the Europa League final, Amorim has hinted Leny Yoro will not be risked for the final game of the season after previously injuring his foot against West Ham.
“No, there are some situations, like Leny. We have to be careful. We had that in the last [home] game before the final, I think it was West Ham, on his foot.”
Potential return date: Pre-season
Aston Villa injury news
Marcus Rashford, on loan from United, has played his final match for Villa as a hamstring injury has now cut his season short. The England international did not recover in time to face Tottenham in their previous fixture, and as he is ineligible to play against his parent club anyway, Rashford will not be in Villa’s squad today even if he is fit enough.
Potential return: N/A
Youri Tielemans - doubt
Aston Villa’s Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season Youri Tielemans is a doubt for their final match of the season. After missing the last two games, the midfielder will be assessed ahead of United based on his fitness during Saturday’s training session.
“If he’s feeling good, comfortable and, more or less, without some doubt, he’ll be with the team in the squad for Sunday,” Emery said.
Potential return: Man United, 25 May
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