In a recent setback for Manchester United, star players Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen have been forced to withdraw from the Denmark squad due to injuries sustained in their Premier League clash against Luton. The impact of these injuries adds to the mounting woes for manager Erik ten Hag, who already had to navigate the game without eight first-team players.
Eriksen’s Knee Woes and Hojlund’s Muscle Strain
Christian Eriksen, the skilled midfielder, suffered a knee injury during the first half of the Luton game, while Rasmus Hojlund, the £72 million striker, left the field towards the end with a muscle problem. The severity of Eriksen’s injury has been confirmed by Manchester United, with the club estimating his absence for a month. On a more optimistic note, there’s confidence within the club that Hojlund will be back in action before the end of November.
United’s Injury-Ridden Squad
The injury list for Manchester United is growing, with key players such as Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Jonny Evans, and Amad Diallo already sidelined. The absence of Jadon Sancho due to a disciplinary issue, coupled with Aaron-Wan Bissaka missing the Luton clash due to illness, further compounds the team’s challenges.
Ten Hag’s Concerns and the Road Ahead
Erik ten Hag, United’s manager, expressed his uncertainty about the extent of Hojlund’s injury, stating, “In this moment I can’t say anything about it [Højlund’s injury] because I don’t know. We do an assessment but have to wait for 24 hours to see what the conclusion is.” The team faces Everton on November 26 after the international break, with subsequent challenging fixtures against Newcastle, Chelsea, and Liverpool.
Importance of Hojlund’s Fitness to Manchester United
Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell highlights the significance of Hojlund’s fitness to Manchester United. The evident discontent at Old Trafford when Hojlund is substituted underscores his pivotal role. Speculation suggests this reaction is influenced, in part, by concerns about the quality of potential replacements.
Conclusion
As Manchester United grapples with a barrage of injuries, the resilience of the squad and the swift recovery of key players become crucial for a successful campaign. The uncertainty surrounding Hojlund’s injury and Eriksen’s absence for a month raise questions about the team’s depth and the challenges they may face in upcoming fixtures.
