There is still uncertainty over whether Manchester United players Noussair Mazraoui, Amad, and Bryan Mbeumo will be involved in the Premier League match against Bournemouth
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are among the Manchester United players heading out to play in the Africa Cup of Nations
Bryan Mbeumo and Amad are among the Manchester United players heading out to play in the Africa Cup of Nations
Everything you need to know about Manchester United vs Bournemouth amid AFCON squad uncertainty
Manchester United face a major selection headache for their Monday night clash against Bournemouth, while up to 10 players could potentially miss the match due to various reasons. The unavailability list includes several key players impacted by injuries and the looming start of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
A specific uncertainty hangs over three players - Noussair Mazraoui, Amad, and Bryan Mbeumo - who are slated to depart for the AFCON tournament next week. Their status remains under wraps as their involvement in the crucial Premier League fixture is in doubt.
The main conflict is caused by FIFA's official player release date for AFCON, set for Monday, December 15, which is the same day as the match. This timing creates a conundrum for United, as the players must officially be released before the evening kickoff.
United have been in discussions with the respective football federations of Morocco, the Ivory Coast, and Cameroon. The club's objective in these talks is to secure an extension that would permit the three players to participate in the Bournemouth match before leaving.
Head coach Ruben Amorim expressed his public uncertainty and frustration regarding the trio's availability during his pre-match press conference. He confessed that the club was waiting until the last possible moment to receive a decision on whether the players could feature.
On the injury front, United are confirmed to be without two key defenders for the match at Old Trafford. Both Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are sidelined due to their respective injuries and will not be available.
Attacker Benjamin Sesko is listed as another major doubt, having returned to first-team training but now suffering from food poisoning. Amorim stated that the club would have to assess the forward's condition after two more training sessions.
The opposition, Bournemouth, will also be contending with several absentees for the fixture at Old Trafford. They will be without Lewis Cook, who is suspended, in addition to three injured players: Ryan Christie, Matai Akinmboni, and Ben Doak.
Read the full story here:10 players could miss Man United vs Bournemouth after AFCON departure update