BREAKING UPDATE: Manchester United Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Ahead of Arsenal Clash
Manchester United have been dealt an unexpected setback ahead of their crucial Premier League showdown against Arsenal, with Michael Carrick confirming that one key player will miss the trip to the Emirates Stadium after picking up an injury during training.
Speaking ahead of the game, Carrick admitted the situation came as a surprise, stressing that injuries are an unfortunate and unpredictable part of football.
“I know we didn’t expect this to happen now, but in football, injuries can come at any time. He had issues in training yesterday and will not be available for tomorrow’s game,” Carrick revealed, dealing a blow to United’s preparations for the high-profile encounter.
As the season enters a decisive phase, Arsenal are pushing hard to move closer to ending their long wait for Premier League glory.
Under the guidance of Mikel Arteta, the Gunners are firmly in the title race and are dreaming of lifting the league trophy for the first time since Arsène Wenger’s legendary Invincibles side achieved the feat back in 2004.
Every match now carries enormous significance as Arsenal aim to maintain momentum at the top of the table.
Standing in their way this weekend are old rivals Manchester United, who travel to north London on Sunday for a 4:30pm kick-off. Carrick’s side will be eager to disrupt Arsenal’s title ambitions while also building on recent success.
United come into the fixture in buoyant mood following an impressive 2–0 victory over Nottingham Forest, a result that also dented Manchester City’s own title hopes and lifted spirits around Old Trafford.
This weekend’s clash offers United more than just bragging rights. With Champions League qualification firmly in their sights, the Red Devils know that a positive result at the Emirates could significantly boost their chances of finishing in the top four.
If other results fall their way, United could even find themselves well positioned in the race for European football before the month draws to a close.
Ahead of the encounter, Mirror Football has reviewed the latest injury concerns affecting both teams.
Arsenal Injury Situation
Arsenal are currently monitoring the fitness of defenders Piero Hincapié and Riccardo Calafiori, with both players racing against time to be available for Sunday’s match. Encouragingly for Arteta, the duo returned to training on Friday, offering hope they could feature.
Arteta remained cautious when asked about their availability, stating: “We have another training session. We’ll see and make a decision on the squad.”
Calafiori has been sidelined since suffering a muscle problem during the warm-up ahead of December’s win over Brighton, missing eight matches across all competitions. However, his gradual return to fitness has lifted optimism within the camp.
Hincapié, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, has also been out of action after being forced off during a goalless draw against Liverpool earlier this month.
A groin injury ruled the Ecuadorian out, but his return to training is a timely boost for Arsenal’s defensive options.
There are also concerns over Kai Havertz, with reports suggesting Arsenal are closely managing his fitness. The German international recently returned from a serious knee injury but has yet to secure his second start of the season.
Although he made the bench in late December, his minutes are expected to be carefully controlled as he continues his recovery.
Young prospect Max Dowman remains unavailable after sustaining an ankle ligament injury in a behind-closed-doors friendly—ironically against Manchester United last month.
Manchester United Injury Update
Despite the renewed optimism following their win over Manchester City, United will travel to face the league leaders without Matthijs de Ligt.
The Dutch defender’s recovery from a back injury has taken longer than anticipated, delaying his return. While he is expected back in the coming weeks, he will play no part in Sunday’s showdown.
With injuries affecting both sides, the stage is set for a tense and unpredictable clash at the Emirates—one that could have major implications at both ends of the Premier League table.
