Manchester United are gearing up to travel to Spain to take on Barcelona for the first leg of their Europa League play-off contest on Thursday.
A number of stars are doubts for the game including Antony, Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay. Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez and January recruit Marcel Sabitzer are suspended for the tie.
Loanne Sabitzer arrived from Bayern Munich to fill the void left by Christian Eriksen, who is out with an ankle injury until April while Donny van de Beek’s season is over after having an operation on his knee. The United players who were available took to Carrington on Monday to hone their preparation.
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Youngsters join senior training
Academy hopefuls Charlie Wellens and Noam Emeran joined the first-team for training on Tuesday. Wellens had his four-month loan spell at Oldham Athletic cut short in December, a few weeks ahead of its January expiry.
The right-back first participated in senior training in 2019 aged 16, the same year winger Emran joined the club from French outfit Amiens. Neither are in United’s Europa League squad roster with fellow youngster Zidane Iqbal, who was also spotted, making the B-list.
Centre-backs look to impress
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof put the yards in during the session with Raphael Varane also present after being n unused sub at Leeds on Sunday. The Frenchman is expected to start in the Nou Camp with the other centre back role up for grabs with Martinez - who trained - suspended.
Maguire had been used in the position prior to Martinez’s establishment in the starting XI while Luke Shaw could get the nod as he did at Elland Road.
Casemiro primed
Casemiro seemed in good spirits as he prepares for his first game since a red card against Crystal Palace. The Brazilian subsequently missed both matches against Leeds and is due to serve his final domestic game ban against Leicester on Sunday.
But he free to ply in Europe so Erik ten Hag will surely name him in the team. With Sabitzer unavailable and McTominay doubtful, Fred is in line to partner Casemiro with midfield options limited amid Eriksen and Van de Beek’s injuries.
Sancho spies second start
Jadon Sancho made his first start since October against Leeds on Sunday and will be hoping to get the nod again with Antony possibly sidelined with a leg problem. But he will face competition for a starting spot.
Alejandro Garnacho scored his third senior goal in Sunday’s win and could be selected to play while Ten Hag also has Facundo Pellistri and Anthony Elanga - who both joined in training - to choose from as well.
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