Manchester United head into Sunday’s Premier League fixture with Leeds United having concerns over the fitness of several key first-team players.
The Red Devils beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 in midweek to strengthen their Champions League hopes, but had to start without four senior players.
However, the quartet of Eric Bailly, Raphael Varane, Nemanja Matic and Edinson Cavani are all suffering from short-term problems and could be back in time for the trip to Elland Road.
Meanwhile, there is a slight question mark about whether Scott McTominay and Fred will be able to start the game.
United head into the game in fourth place and with Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur all having games in hand on Ralf Rangnick’s side, it’s imperative they keep up their unbeaten run in the league.
The German rotated for Wednesday’s game against Brighton and could do likewise again, with United having a busy month and facing Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.
As for Leeds, they lost 3-0 against Everton last time out and the Whites are just six points clear of the relegation zone. Therefore, they could be nervously looking over their shoulders, especially with Norwich City and Newcastle United in good form of late.
Here’s how United’s squad is shaping up ahead of the game…
1. Eric Bailly- Ankle
Returned to training earlier this week but wasn’t in the squad for the Brighton clash. Bailly has struggled with a swollen ankle since coming back from the Africa Cup of Nations.
2. Raphael Varane- Illness
The defender pulled out of the Brighton encounter during the warm-up with a stomach problem and is a doubt for the game at Elland Road.
3. Nemanja Matic- Shin
Missed the last two with a shin problem which the midfielder has struggled with in recent weeks. Matic wasn’t pictured in the latest club training gallery on Monday.
4. Fred- Available
There shouldn’t be any issues for the No.17, who started again on Tuesday night. However, he was replaced late on following a recent bout of Covid and might struggle to play twice in a week after the illness.