Manchester United return to Premier League action in a week's time to take on bitter rivals Leeds at Old Trafford, and head into the game with a major advantage
Daniel Farke speaks during a press conference
Daniel Farke has spoken about injured Leeds players after his side's win at West Ham(Image: Getty Images)
View Image
Manchester United will have a major advantage as they face Leeds United next Monday, given Daniel Farke's squad is depleted with a number of first-team injuries. The Peacocks managed a penalty shootout win over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon, the fixture going all the way with the two teams inseparable at 2-2.
However, Leeds ultimately suffered injuries to a number of key players in the outing, which will set them back as they head into their last seven matches of the Premier League season. It will come as welcome news to Reds fans, who will take any help that they can get as they push on for Champions League qualification for 2026/27.
Michael Carrick's squad will play host to their fierce rivals at Old Trafford on Monday, April 13, in an 8pm kick-off. And while they have a number of injuries of their own to navigate - including problems suffered by Mathijs De Ligt and Patrick Dorgu - they will hold a major advantage in terms of selection availability when compared to the Lilywhites.
Former United man Dan James is expected to miss the upcoming match as a result of an adductor strain. While the forward represented his nation during the recent international break, he missed Sunday's match at the London Stadium and is thought to be sidelined for a number of weeks while he recovers.
Elswhere, Gabriel Gudmundsson's participation in the upcoming game with the Reds is also in doubt - owing to a minor groin problem. The left-back also represented Sweden during March's break, but like James, missed the FA Cup tie.
He could also potentially miss Monday's visit to Greater Manchester. In terms of injuries sustained during Sunday's game in the capital, Anton Stach was brought off just 39 minutes in after a collision with Max Kilman in the box.
The Leeds star was through on goal when he was brought down by the Hammers defender, but Craig Pawson and VAR saw no issue with the challenge - denying the visitors of a spot-kick.
Farke, meanwhile, was quick to bring up the extent of the midfielder's injuries in his post-match press conference. Speaking to the media, he said: "Anton should have been awarded with a penalty.
"Ligament injury. Will have to see. He is a key player for us."
Elsewhere, Joe Rodon was also brought off just eight minutes into the second half as he seemed to have an issue with his ankle. Farke confirmed after the match that the defender had rolled his ankle, but hopes to see the player fit for next week's encounter.
While questions arose around Noah Okafor's fitness when he was substituted off with around 20 minutes of the original 90 left to play, Farke explained that the forward was dealing with a case of cramp - meaning he should be available for selection against United.
Leeds are not alone in their injury troubles as they head to the north west, however, with the Reds also having to work around a number of sidelined stars. Dorgu has been out of action since sustaining a hamstring injury during United's 3-2 win over Arsenal in January, and is not expected to return until May, though he is back on the grass.
Elsewhere, De Ligt has been dealing with a back issue since November. It is unknown as to when the centre-half will return to playing.
Lisandro Martinez has been out of the squad with a calf issue as of late, and Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have suffered knocks, it is thought that the trio should be available to take part in Monday's game with Leeds.