Manchester United's injury woes continue as they prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. With three wins in a row, the Red Devils are on a roll, but will they be able to maintain this momentum?
The latest fitness updates have fans on the edge of their seats. Manager Ruben Amorim shared some insights on the availability of two key central defenders, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire, ahead of the Nottingham trip.
Martinez, the World Cup winner, has been sidelined for almost nine months due to a knee injury. But the good news is, he's back in training! Amorim revealed that Martinez is eager to play but will be reintroduced gradually. The manager said, 'He wants to go to this one... He started training with us, but we had to adapt the exercises for him.' This cautious approach is understandable, given the lengthy absence.
And here's where it gets intriguing: Amorim's comments suggest that Martinez's return might push Luke Shaw out of the starting lineup. Shaw, an England international, has been a consistent presence in United's back three, but Martinez's comeback could shake things up.
As for Maguire, his situation is less certain. The 32-year-old hasn't played since scoring the winner against Liverpool at Anfield. While the rest of the squad is available, Maguire's fitness remains a question mark. Amorim hinted at a late fitness test, saying, 'I don't know about Harry Maguire. I think the rest is fit.'
With Nottingham Forest recently appointing Sean Dyche as their manager, United can expect a tough challenge. Dyche's arrival often brings a 'new manager bounce,' and Forest will be eager to prove themselves.
So, will United's defense be at full strength for this encounter? The jury is still out. But one thing's for sure: the fitness of these key defenders could be the deciding factor in United's quest for a fourth consecutive victory.
What do you think? Is the return of Martinez enough to secure a win, or will Maguire's absence be a significant setback? Share your predictions in the comments below!
