Erik ten Hag gives injury update on three Man Utd players ahead of Barcelona clash

Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Harry Maguire and Antony should be available to face Barcelona on Thursday night, but Anthony Martial will not be involved.

Maguire missed Manchester United’s 3-0 win over Leicester City at the weekend with a slight knock, while Antony last played on 4 February due to a leg injury, but could return for the Europa League play-off at Old Trafford.

United and Barcelona drew 2-2 at the Nou Camp last week with the winner over two legs set to progress to the last-16 of the competition. And the Red Devils’ chances will be boosted by the return of Maguire and Antony, albeit it’s unlikely either will start against the leaders of La Liga.

“We still have the training to go but I expect Harry Maguire and Antony [to be] available. Anthony Martial is not available,” Ten Hag said on Wednesday. “He’s back, he’s back on the [training] pitch. Not back in team training, we wait for that.”

Martial’s ongoing injury issues presents United with a long-standing problem. The Frenchman has missed 24 matches this campaign and is currently struggling with a hip injury. However, Martial’s return to individual training is another plus for Ten Hag with Wout Weghorst United’s only recognised centre-forward over recent weeks. Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek remain long-term absentees for United.

As for Barcelona, Gavi will miss out through suspension, while Pedri wasn’t named in the travelling squad due to injury. Sergio Busquets has returned from a recent knock and will fly to Manchester, but Ousmane Dembele remains on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

Asked if the absence of Gavi and Pedri will alter Xavi’s approach to the game, Ten Hag replied: “I don’t know what he will be think. Obviously Gavi and Pedri are geat players - although they are very young they arlready have a positive effect in th game of Barcelona.

“Their squad has so much depth in it they have players who can replace them. Tomorrow it will be a very good Barcelona team. If we want to win we have to play our best.”