Manchester United are set to be without five key players over the festive period due to a combination of injury and international involvement.
Harry Maguire, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko all missed the weekend win over Crystal Palace due to injury, though Cunha is expected back in the squad when United host West Ham on Thursday night. It is unclear when Maguire and Sesko will be ready again, though it might be a while before they are in contention to start anyway.
United are also set to be without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo due to their forthcoming participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Fifa rules state players called up for an international tournament must be released by their clubs “no later than Monday morning the week preceding the week” that the tournament begins. That would be the morning of United's trip to face Wolves in the Premier League next week, though the club is in talks to keep the trio for that match.
Ruben Amorim will hope to minimise the number of matches without his key trio, though there is a chance he could be without them and his injured players for at least one match. If that were to be the case, here is a look at how United might have to line up.
Lammens has made the starting role his own and will keep it for the foreseeable future.
1. GK - Senne Lammens
Lammens has made the starting role his own and will keep it for the foreseeable future. | Manchester United via Getty Images
Leny Yoro has struggled in the last two matches and could be replaced by Mazraoui.
2. CB - Noussair Mazraoui
Leny Yoro has struggled in the last two matches and could be replaced by Mazraoui. | Manchester United via Getty Images
De Ligt is certain to keep his starting role while Harry Maguire is still injured.
3. CB - Matthijs De Ligt
De Ligt is certain to keep his starting role while Harry Maguire is still injured. | Manchester United via Getty Images
Martinez is the first choice in defence when he is fit, no matter how well Luke Shaw has played.
4. CB - Lisandro Martinez
Martinez is the first choice in defence when he is fit, no matter how well Luke Shaw has played. | Manchester United via Getty Images