Manchester United have confirmed that Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park will come too soon for Christian Eriksen, with Casemiro, Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek also ruled out.
In an update posted on their official website earlier today, the club have also revealed that Marcus Rashford only returned to ‘light training’ earlier this week after withdrawing from England duty, while Marcel Sabitzer is also a ‘doubt’ after playing no part of Austria’s second Euro 2024 qualifier a few days ago.
It’s also unclear if Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial will be fit to return, with both missing their FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham with injuries just before the international break.
As we know, Casemiro is banned for their next three Premier League games against ourselves, Brentford and Everton after picking up his second red card of the season. He will be a big miss, meaning Scott McTominay and Fred could start in midfield if Sabitzer fails a fitness test.
I expect Rashford to play, but the fact he’s carrying a knock and been limited to reduced training can only be good news for a Newcastle side who’ll welcome back Joelinton; who returns from a two-game ban. The same applies for Varane, who will have that recent injury tested by Alexander Isak’s blistering pace.
Here’s the update shared on Man Utd’s official website earlier today:
‘A confirmed omission for United is Casemiro, who will be serving the second of his four-match suspension, after his red card against Southampton.
Marcus Rashford returned to light training earlier this week, following his withdrawal from England’s squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine.
Marcel Sabitzer is a doubt after being away with Austria during the international break, as he was left on the bench for Ralf Rangnick’s side in their second Euro 2024 qualifier against Estonia.
Ten Hag could give an update on Marcel’s fitness, as well as that of Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane – who both missed the FA Cup quarter-final win against Fulham – during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Alejandro Garnacho are expected to still be out.’
