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Erik ten Hag has already ruled three players out of Manchester United’s next match against Barnsley on Tuesday.
It was a case of déja vu for United this lunchtime at St Mary’s as Ten Hag was forced to change three out of four members of his defence during the 3-0 victory over Southampton, with a fourth also limping at the end of the game.
Lisandro Martinez had to be substituted with what looked like a groin strain, although he was all smiles and not limping as he walked off the pitch smiling with Ten Hag at the end of the match.
His centre back partner, Matthijs de Ligt, was also subbed, although he said after the game it was just a cramp.
Martinez’s replacement, Harry Maguire, also picked up a knock and ended the game limping.
The most serious-looking injury of all was that of right back Noussair Mazraoui, who went off down the tunnel to receive treatment and must now be a serious doubt for Tuesday.
With Victor Lindelof, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia already injured, Ten Hag could be struggling to field four defenders on Tuesday.
After the match, the boss told manutd.com that Shaw would not be available for Tuesday. When asked about the England man, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, he said:
“We need everyone and hopefully players are returning. It will not be the case for the next game, but hopefully in the next weeks they [Hojlund, Mount and Shaw] will return to the squad.”
Malacia, Yoro and Lindelof were not even mentioned, suggesting they are even further away.
He did however say of De Ligt’s injury that “Hopefully it’s nothing serious, we have to assess it today, or tomorrow and then we can see.”
As things stand, Diogo Dalot and Jonny Evans are the only 100% fit defenders ahead of Tuesday’s game.
If others don’t make it, it is possible that young Harry Amass, who impressed on the pre-season tour, could be brought in at left back and Casemiro could operate as an emergency centre back, as he did in the final minutes of today’s game.
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