Manchester United handed double injury blow

Manchester United have been dealt an injury blow ahead of a critical run of fixtures with the loss of Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard.

The pair are expected to face three weeks on the sidelines after sustaining injuries in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain.

The duo were forced off through muscle injuries before the second half of their midweek tie but reports suggest that their injuries are not as bad as previously feared.

A source told the Manchester Evening News that the injuries are not long-term. However, the duo are unlikely to feature in this Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Chelsea and next week’s visit of Liverpool in the Premier League.

In a midweek press-conference, coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said:

“Jesse and Anthony give us something, let’s hope they’re not too serious. They’re muscle injuries, so we’ll just have to wait a couple of days.”

However, speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup, he said:

“I think they will be out for two to three weeks looking at it now.

“It is a chance for anyone who plays, whether it is Alexis, Romelu or Angel (Gomes). Anthony and Jesse have done really well for us, they are vital in the attacking parts with their pace.

“Romelu and Alexis have different skill sets, so we just need to gel a team together for Monday now.”

With Lingard and Martial both ruled out for the short-term, United could be left having to utilise a number of out-of-form players to patch the holes.

Romelu Lukaku has struggled in front of goal in recent weeks and has not scored in six weeks; meanwhile, Juan Mata appears to have dropped down the pecking order under Solskjaer, making just five starts for the Red Devils.