Manchester United could be without several players as they make the long trip to Southampton this weekend in the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag will be looking for a reaction from his squad after the defeat to Liverpool prior to the international break. The 3-0 humbling at Old Trafford increased the pressure on the Dutchman ahead of the Premier League’s return despite the season being just three games old.
Russell Martin’s Southampton have also had a difficult start to the campaign, having lost all of their opening matches back in the top flight. If United are to win on the South Coast, they will have to do it without Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia, who are both long-term injuries.
There had been some hope that Rasmus Hojlund and Luke Shaw could make their first appearances of the season at St Mary’s Stadium. While they have both made good progress according to Ten Hag, neither man is in a position to come back this weekend, with Barnsley on Tuesday night seen as a more realistic return date.
Question marks remain hanging over the fitness of both Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount. The Swede is missing with a toe injury that is expected to be healed at some stage this month, but when that will be is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Mount suffered a muscular injury after the defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion, which he confirmed before the Liverpool defeat. It was explained he would be out for a ‘few weeks’ so could be ready for Southampton, but it is more likely he will not be risked.
As for the hosts, they have one confirmed absentee in the form of winger Kamaldeen Sulemana. The winger has not featured this season since picking up an injury in the 2-0 defeat to Oxford United in pre-season.
Discussing his options, Martin told the media: “Maxwel Cornet’s in the squad. Everyone is pretty much fit now apart from Kamaldeen.
“Kamaldeen is very, very close to being fit. We have a big squad and it’s going to be a lot of selection headaches to get into the squad, let alone the starting XI.
“We’re really happy with the team we’re going to put on the pitch. We’re really happy with the work they’ve put in.
“We’re really happy with where the guys are at. We’re really happy with how the players that are not coming out of the team have responded to that and they responded properly by being good teammates.”