Manchester United head interim manager Micheal Carrick has provided the latest Manchester United injury news update on the fitness status of his squad ahead of their crucial Premier League clash against title-chasing Arsenal on Sunday.
United head into this highly-anticipated encounter in positive spirits after cruising to a well deserved 2-0 victory over local rivals Manchester City to kick-start Carrick’s short-term reign on a winning note.
For that game, the Red Devils were at full strength, barring the absence of Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who has been on the sidelines for almost two months now with a back injury.
Ahead of their trip to the Emirates, Manchester United will still have to make do without the Netherlands international as he continues to recover from the injury setback he picked up at the end of November, following a clash against Crystal Palace.
Updating reporters about the situation of the Dutchman, Man United boss Carrick revealed that De Ligt suffered a minor setback in his recovery process but should be back around the first team in the next couple of weeks.
In Carrick’s words; “He had a bit of a setback, well not really a setback, before I arrived, only small but he was a little bit slower than we had liked. He’s getting closer and hopefully in the next couple of weeks he will be back and around it.”
While recovering from injury, De Ligt has missed ten games for Manchester United across the Premier League and FA Cup. In his absence, the likes of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire marshalled the backline against Man City.
Another player who will likely miss this blockbuster clash in North London is De Ligt’s compatriot Joshua Zirkzee. The Dutch striker is currently battling a muscle problem which could well rule him out of Sunday’s game.
Zirkzee’s future at Old Trafford is also the subject of relentless speculation after strong links with a potential departure for Roma this winter emerged. However, it remains unclear whether Man United will be willing to sanction a move.
Asides the two Dutchmen, Carrick will have a strong squad for the trip to North London. United fans will be delighted to see Shea Lacy back in the mix after the exciting youngster missed last weekend’s derby win due to suspension.
The Red Devils were on the wrong side of a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford when they faced Arsenal in the first game of the season. A win on Sunday will offer a significant boost in their quest for Champions League qualification, while also leaving a huge dent on the Gunners’ title aspirations.
