Manchester United face defensive injury crisis after star has surgery

Manchester United could be without five senior defenders when they face Brentford in the Premier League a week tomorrow.

Erik ten Hag's side will be looking to hit the ground running after the international break but might have to field a makeshift defence line when they return to action next week.

It comes after the news Noussair Mazraoui will be sidelined for several weeks having undergone a medical procedure after heart palpitations. United sources played down the seriousness of the issue, insisting it is a precautionary, minor corrective procedure to rectify a relatively common condition.

Mazraoui, 26, has experienced heart issues before, having been diagnosed with a mild inflammation of the pericardium a month after he tested positive for Covid during the 2022 World Cup. There was no suggestion of an emergency situation before his procedure but the Moroccan full-back is now set for a few weeks on the sidelines at a time when United are already without another four defenders.

Harry Maguire is also set for a 'few weeks' on the sidelines after he suffered a muscle injury in the first-half of the goalless draw with Aston Villa last weekend. The 31-year-old had deservedly started the match after his heroic equaliser in their previous match against Porto.

United are still without both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, though there is a hope they could both return to action at some stage this month. Erik ten Hag initially hoped Shaw could have returned before the ongoing international break, but admitted it might take longer for him to build up match fitness. Malacia has stepped up his recovery work in recent weeks but United are taking their time over his gradual reintegration and will ease him back into action after such a long time out.

There was at least some positive injury news this week, after French defender Leny Yoro posted an encouraging update in midweek. In his latest injury update, Yoro took to social media on Wednesday and uploaded a video of himself jogging on a treadmill along with the caption: 'on the way back.' It is hoped he can return to action at some stage next month.

It means United could have just one fully fit full-back for their clash against Brentford, with Diogo Dalot a certainty to start, though it is unclear in what position. If he starts in his favoured right-back role, Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez are candidates to start on the left, or if Dalot stays in his makeshift left-back role, Victor Lindelof could be used as a right-back as he was at Villa Park. Academy ace Harry Amass is still not deemed physically ready for the first-team yet and Ten Hag has warned it will take a couple of months before he is up to the level required to feature in the Premier League.

United potential back four vs Brentford: Dalot, De Ligt, Evans, Martinez or Lindelof, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot.