Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of two key players ahead of this weekend’s meeting with Liverpool.
Centre-back Harry Maguire was forced off the pitch in the first of Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich, which sealed their exit from the Uefa Champions League.
The England defender walked gingerly off the pitch in the 40th minute of the game with what appeared to be a groin issue, and was replaced by Jonny Evans.
Left-back Luke Shaw was also withdrawn at the break after appearing in some discomfort at the end of the first half. He was replaced by Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while Diogo Dalot switched over to the left for the second half.
After the final whistle, Man United manager Erik ten Hag could not give a definitive update on the two players. “I can’t say in this moment. We have to wait 24 hours for an assessment,” he told TNT Sports.
While the extent of Maguire and Shaw’s injuries are not known, it adds to the club’s extensive list of absences. Six other players are currently on the treatment table; Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof, Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Mason Mount.
Bruno Fernandes is also suspended for the Liverpool game at Anfield, while Jadon Sancho remains exiled following his fallout with Ten Hag.
Maguire’s injury is particularly demoralising for the Red Devils after the defender fought his way back into the first-team to become one of the most important members of the squad this season.
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