Jose Mourinho is facing an injury crisis with up to seven of his first teamers a doubt for the big game against Arsenal this Saturday. The Portuguese comes up against nemesis Arsene Wenger and his Gunners side who sit six points ahead of the Red Devils.
United have not been consistent this season with the club currently struggling to keep up with the leading pack in the league. But that could all change if things go United’s way against the Gunners this weekend.
The task of defeating Arsenal will get a little tougher after Mourinho takes a look at his latest team sheet. Eric Bailly who has been one of the best defenders in the league this season has been ruled with a ligament injury he sustained a couple of games ago.
The duo of Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw who asked to be excluded from the game against Swansea after facing injury issues are still a doubt for this game. Mourinho openly criticised those two players for not being committed enough to the winning cause.
Even if the two are fit, there is considerable doubt if he will start them based on recent events. Marouane Fellaini has also returned to the club early from international duty after he picked up a knock and faces a race against time to be fit for the weekend.
Wayne Rooney was also a victim of the international break arriving back in Manchester after England’s 3-0 win over Scotland. The England captain has been very impressive in past two games for the Red Devils but could make the game yet.
Right back Antonio Valencia has reportedly been recovering at a much quicker rate than expected from his fractured arm but Mourinho will most likely keep him on the bench and not take a chance with the Ecuadorian.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has definitely been ruled out for this game as well after he picked up his 5th yellow against Swansea City which means he receives his first suspension of the season. It comes as quite a blow for supporters after his return to scoring form in the last game with a brace.
Arsenal have their own injury problems
United might be shorthanded for the game but Arsenal aren’t too far behind in terms of missing key personnel. Santi Cazorla's return date has still not yet been confirmed. Hector Bellerin picked up an injury with Spain’s U-23 squad and is most likely to miss the game as well.
There is some good news with Alexis Sanchez showing no signs of struggling with a muscular injury that was feared to more serious than first thought after he inspired Chile with a fantastic brace against Uruguay.
The Gunners will still assess the Chilean's injury once he is back in London but there are positive signs he will be available for the game against United.
