Man Utd without EIGHT players for Chelsea clash

Robin Bairner

• 1 Nov 2024 06:43 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United have injury headaches ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at Old Trafford, with as many as eight players missing out from the squad of interim manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Van Nistelrooy may have set his sights on prolonging his stay at Old Trafford under incoming manager Ruben Amorim, but in the short term, he needs to make the Red Devils competitive against Chelsea.

Sitting 14th in the Premier League, his role is to make Amorim’s job as easy as possible when he finally takes charge, probably during the November international break.

The interim Man Utd boss’ time started spectacularly as he was at the helm of a 5-2 EFL Cup win over Leicester City but three Premier League points against Chelsea are more important.

If these are to be achieved, they will be done in the face of some significant injury issues, particularly in defence.

Man Utd v Chelsea team news

The left-back area continues to be without Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, while in the middle of the defence, Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro will miss out against Chelsea.

It is hoped that Malacia will be back in action during November, while it’s also possible that Yoro will return in the next four weeks. Shaw, who was injured in pre-season, does not have a return date set.

The most important absentee in the midfield is Kobbie Mainoo, whose return is hoped to coincide with Amorim joining the club during the international break.

Mason Mount also remains missing. After being injured against Tottenham in September, the England midfielder has been nowhere to be seen, and the former Chelsea star will not return against his former club.

In the same area of the field, Christian Eriksen is likely missing after withdrawing from the squad to face Leicester in midweek.

The final absentee for Man Utd’s clash with Chelsea is Antony, who is missing due to an ankle injury sustained against Fenerbahce.