Man United suffer fresh injury blow as key star faces a spell on the sidelines with a muscle problem
- The teenager was forced off during Man United’s home defeat to Tottenham
- In better news, summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has returned to training
- LISTEN NOW: It all starts! available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Manchester United is shocked by an injury to midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has been on the sidelines for weeks with a muscle problem.
The 19-year-old was forced off in the home defeat to Tottenham and while he missed the subsequent Europa League trip, he allayed fears over his fitness by returning to the side to face Villa.
But after being hospitalized at Villa Park with hamstring discomfort – forcing him to withdraw from Lee Carsley’s England squad – further tests have revealed Mainoo will be on the sidelines for ‘a few weeks’ after a major blow for boss Erik who was under fire. ten Hag.
Mainoo has been a regular starter under the Dutchman and has been his preferred central midfielder with fitness and form issues surrounding Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte, who undertook recovery training away from the main group on Thursday after returning from international duty.
Mainoo has started every Premier League match this season and so his absence will force Ten Hag, who will discuss the injury in front of the media on Friday, to reschedule for the visit of Brentford this weekend.
Kobbie Mainoo has been on the sidelines for a number of weeks after suffering a blow against Tottenham
Erik ten Hag will be disappointed to be without his midfielder as he prepares to face Brentford
In more reassuring news, summer signing Noussair Mazraoui has returned to training this week
In better news, United confirmed that full-back Noussair Mazraoui was fit to train on Thursday.
Mazraoui, who appeared ill in the draw against Villa, recently underwent heart surgery after complaining of palpitations.
Club sources have allayed fears by indicating it was a minor correction procedure. Mazraoui himself further allayed concerns by participating in Thursday’s training.
Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo also trained after missing matches for Argentina and Ivory Coast respectively during the international break.
Mount, who is recovering from a knock against Tottenham, is making progress, while long-term absentee Luke Shaw is stepping up his return. Both remain major doubts for Brentford this weekend.
