Team News: Man Utd Could Be Without 7 Key Players For Arsenal Showdown

Manchester United could be without as many as seven first team regulars for Saturday’s huge showdown with Arsenal as Jose Mourinho sweats over the fitness of several players, according to the Independent.

Superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is certain to miss the game at Old Trafford as he’ll serve a one-game suspension having picked up his fifth booking of the season against Swansea before the international break.

Eric Bailly is also out as United’s summer signing continues to recover from knee surgery after suffering ligament damage during the heavy defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month and isn’t expected back until around Christmas.

Chris Smalling will also sit out the Gunners match after suffering a broke toe which is expected to keep him out for a few weeks with the extent of the injury coming after Mourinho questioned the centre-backs bravery in playing through the pain barrier.

Luke Shaw also had his toughness called in to question by the Portuguese coach after the left-back missed the win at Swansea due to pains in the leg he broke last year and the former Southampton defender remains a doubt for this weekend.

United’s options at the back could be eased slightly with the Independent reporting that Antonio Valencia could make a surprise return to action against Arsenal after making a remarkable recovery from a fractured arm.

The Ecuadorian international wasn’t expected back until next month after undergoing surgery three weeks ago but is now close to making a swift return – although the Gunners game may come too soon.

It’s not just in defence where United have concerns as midfielder Marouane Fellaini is a major doubt for Saturday’s clash after pulling out of the Belgian squad last week with a calf injury which he sustained against Swansea ten days ago.

The final doubt for the game is Wayne Rooney with the Independent saying the United skipper is rated as 60-40 to miss the Arsenal clash after picking up a minor knee injury while away with England.

The 31-year-old is already back at Carrington undergoing treatment and will be assessed on Friday but if Rooney joins Ibrahimovic on the sidelines, then Marcus Rashford will start up front this weekend.

So it looks as though United will be without a number of key players for this important match and it only adds to the unpredictability of what promises to be an enthralling game between two of England’s biggest clubs.

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