Manchester United have hit another roadblock with the latest additions to their injury list.
Danish pair Rasmus Højlund and Christian Eriksen have both picked up injuries which will keep them out for a few weeks.
The November 2023 international break has commenced. Both players were supposed to travel with the Denmark national football team for their international fixtures but after their game against Luton Town in the Premier League last weekend, it was discovered that their fitness was lacking.
Further tests showed that Højlund had a muscle injury in one of his legs while Eriksen hurt his knee. The news is not pleasing for ten Hag, who already has six players on the injury list including Casemiro and Jonny Evans who were injured only a week earlier.
A statement on the club’s website stated: “Christian has a knee injury that is set to keep him out for around a month, while striker Rasmus suffered a muscle strain. It is hoped he will return before the end of November.”
The international break ends on 22 November 2023, which makes it possible that both players will be available for selection for their next round of games. But going by the several relapses that have been suffered by the club’s injured players, ten Hag, the coaches, the medical staff and the fans are worried.
Højlund is currently the leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League even though Manchester United are on the verge of an exit from the tournament. Eriksen’s injury further reduces the options that ten Hag has in the middle of the park for his upcoming games. The Danish midfielder also started the club’s last four matches in all competitions before going off injured, bringing a premature end to a good run of games which he is enjoying.
Should they both remain on the sidelines after the international break, it will give an opportunity to Mason Mount and Anthony Martial. Both players have not had a consistent run of games this season as starters and now, they will be required to pull their weight to help their club, especially now that they are finding some success.
Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s takeover bid is all but done as reports indicate that it will be made official during the international break.
The INEOS Group owner is looking to acquire 25 percent of the club for £1.3 billion which will give him sole access to the sporting side of Manchester United. This absolves the Glazers of anything that has to do with the team on and off the pitch and hands over the responsibility for the branding, competition participation and personnel acquisition to Ratcliffe’s INEOS Group.
It is also believed that Sir Ratcliffe’s first transfer has already been decided upon. More on that as soon as the news breaks.
