JAKARTA - Manchester United's head coach, Erik ten Hag, is worried about the team captain's fitness, Bruno Fernandes, ahead of the Premier League's important match against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Wednesday, May 15 or Thursday morning WIB.
The Portuguese playmaker was actually close to returning from an wrist injury ahead of the weekend's game against Arsenal, but had to withdraw in the last minute as it had not fully recovered.
The same goes for Marcus Rashford, who has an ankle injury. Rashford returned to training with Fernandes and Leandro Martinez (chip injury) last week, but the latter had a great opportunity to join the squad.
All players such as Anthony Martial (length injury), bagus Malacia (knee injury), Victor Lindelof (magnetic injury), Harry Maguire (mustus injury), Raphael Varane (mustus injury), Mason Mount (unspecified injury), and Luke Shaw (magnetic injury) also cannot be played, while Willy Kambwala (unspecified injury) and Amad Diallo (knee injury) still require further examination.
Diallo made his first appearance as a starter in the Premier League this season against Arsenal and impressed on the right flank before leaving the pitch in the second half. However, he eased concerns about his injury through social media after the game.
Even so, it would not be surprising if Antony returned to the attacking position with Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund, while the extended recovery period would benefit Fernandes' chance to return to play on Wednesday.
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Scott McTominay is likely to return to defensive midfielder roles with Kobbie Mainoo, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot remain options available at full-back positions.
However, Kambwala may join Jonny Evans and Andre Onana on the back if he gets the green light, thus displacing Casemiro after his mistakes on the back caused Arsenal's defeat on Sunday, May 12.
Luckily, Leandro Martinez will return to the squad for the match against Newcastle United. Martinez returned to training ahead of last weekend, but was not considered to play against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon as Ten Hag considered it too soon for him to play.
The Argentine international is expected to play against Newcastle where Manchester United are trying to bounce back from successive defeats in the Premier League. Martinez himself has only played 11 appearances this season and has been sidelined since late March due to calf problems.
"Licha Martinez, I think he will return to the squad. He has now participated in several training sessions with us and we plan for him to be available," Ten Hag told reporters at a news conference.
Ten Hag also revealed that Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Willy Kambwala could be available for the match against Eddie Howe's side.
Rashford has missed Manchester United's last four league games with injuries he suffered in the FA Cup semifinals last month, while Fernandes missed the team's final two games. Kambwala, though, came back from injury as a substitute in the second half against Arsenal on Sunday.
"For some other players, we have to look. Rashford, Bruno, Willy Kambwala, if they are fit enough," added the manager while speaking ahead of the match against Newcastle.
Ten Hag also expects a farewell performance for Raphael Varane, in which the French defender has the potential to be ready to appear for the last two games of the team this season. On Tuesday, May 14, it was announced that the centre-back would leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of June.
"We plan for him for the last game. Not for tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and of course for the final game [FA Cup final against Manchester City]," Ten Hag said.
Manchester United will end their 2023-24 Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday before facing Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25. Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Maguire are also expected to have a chance to get involved in the match at Wembley against Pep Guardiola's side.
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