Man Utd Coach Decries Injury Crisis as Pogba, Martial Misses Leicester Clash
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is concerned that Manchester United could fall behind in the top-four race after injuries to Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial ahead of Saturday’s game against Leicester.
Both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jesse Lingard are also doubtful, with Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot already out.
Brendan Rodgers’ side travel to Old Trafford on Saturday with their own intentions of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.
Solskjaer talked up the Foxes’ credentials while insisting that United can now not afford to fall behind Leicester, or other top-four rivals including Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal.
“Leicester is always a tough game. It’s a team and a club that is wanting to push for the top four I’m sure,” he said. “They have got good players and a very good manager, that’s a proven top manager.
“Brendan’s teams always play good football and we will have to play well to deserve three points. We want to get the results we feel we deserve. We are coming into a busy period now, we don’t want to be behind Tottenham or Chelsea or Arsenal.
When asked if Leicester are on the same level as United now, Solskjaer replied: “I don’t want to talk too much about Leicester.
“I see them as a good team but Man Utd is the biggest and best club in the world. I’m sure they want to get into the top four like we do. It’s a great test and a great challenge. For our players who want to push closer to City and Liverpool, here’s your chance.”
Martial (Left) and Pogba (Right) add to the long list of Man Utd Injury list
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is concerned that Manchester United could fall behind in the top-four race after injuries to Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial ahead of Saturday’s game against Leicester.
Solskjaer confirmed that both Martial and Pogba will miss Saturday’s visit of Leicester with injury, but both could make their return when United face West Ham United next weekend.
Lingard and Wan-Bissaka will face late fitness tests after the pair withdrew from England duty this week with injuries.
“The treatment room has been busy and still is,” he said. “We don’t really know who is going to be available. Maybe Aaron, maybe Jesse and that’s it from the ones that had to pull out but I can’t promise those two will be fit either.”
“Pogba won’t be fit unless he’s had a miraculous recovery overnight. He’s not been ready to train at 100 per cent.
“We hope more can be ready for West Ham, Paul and Anthony are in that category. I think they will be ready for then. I can’t say more than that.”
Samson Oyedeyi
