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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Liam Wood

Victor Lindelof 'solves' injury crisis and more things spotted in Manchester United training

It's been another instant turnaround for Manchester United as they prepare to resume their Premier League campaign against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday afternoon (4.30pm).

United were in Europa League action on Thursday night as they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw against Sevilla in their quarter-final opener with the second leg in Spain to come. It was not without further cost, too, as setbacks to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez compounded their mounting injury crisis.

Eight players are on the treatment table at Carrington right now, leaving Erik ten Hag pondering what to do when it comes to selection. Here are five things we spotted in training;

READ MORE: Every word from press conference

Lindelof 'solves' defensive issues

As things stand, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are the only two centre-backs available, although there is positive news regarding Luke Shaw, who has been used there this season, and his comeback. Concerns at the back will be magnified later this month when Maguire is suspended for their FA Cup semi-final with Brighton, especially if Varane and Martinez do not return by then. Lindelof, though, appears up for the challenge and he provided a one-man defensive unit in one training drill.

Fringe players not involved against Sevilla laced up their boots. (Manchester United FC)

Fringe players lace up boots

Naturally, those who played a significant part against Sevilla were spared team training, although one or two who did feature also made an appearance. Among them were fit-again Christian Eriksen, Wout Weghorst and Facundo Pellistri. Diogo Dalot and Fred were unused substitutes on Thursday night, so they will be as fresh as anyone should Ten Hag opt to make changes at the City Ground.

Several youngsters were spotted during the training session. (Manchester United FC)

Youngsters handed priceless lesson

With so many first-team regulars putting their feet up - or at least training in the gym - the session was made up with several Academy players and youngsters who are aiming to force their way into senior plans. Spotted lacing up their boots in that bracket were Bjorn Hardley, Mateo Mejia, Isak Hansen-Aaroen, Zidane Iqbal, Dan Gore and Omari Forson as they learned one or two bits from the more experienced players. It was yet another valuable experience for the next generation.

Dalot and Fred were both unused substitutes against Sevilla. (Manchester United FC)

Dalot and Fred nudge Ten Hag

As mentioned above, Shaw and fellow midweek absentee Scott McTominay could return to the squad after continuing their respective comebacks. However, there was no sign of the United duo in team training. Dalot and Fred were, perhaps, unfortunate not to feature against Sevilla as they underlined their chances of a recall by getting stuck in front and centre during this session.

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