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Matthijs de Ligt was absent from training today as the Manchester United squad were put through their paces ahead of tomorrow night’s season-defining semi-clash with Athletic Club in the Europa League.
De Ligt, 25, was forced off the pitch against Brentford on Sunday after going down with an injury in the first half.
While the Dutch international was down, the Bees refused to put the ball out of play and took full advantage of United’s depleted defence with Kevin Schade rising high to meet a cross and put his side 2-1 up, much to the outrage of the Red Devils.
After the match – which finished 4-3 to Brentford – head coach Ruben Amorim revealed he was “really concerned” about De Ligt, who has just recently returned from an injury which saw him last start a match on April 2.
De Ligt’s absence from training today had sparked further worry the 25-year-old defender had sustained another issue but Amorim, speaking in a press-conference later in the day, clarified he had suffered a minor injury, as relayed by The Athletic.
“It is not a big issue, that is the good thing,” the Portuguese coach stated. “He cannot play tomorrow or Sunday (against West Ham United) but then we will check day by day. The rest I think Ayden (Heaven) doesn’t recover, Toby (Collyer) is not available and I think that is it.”
Collyer, 21, has been out with his own “small issue” and was also absent from first-team training but has previously been spotted in individual fitness sessions, suggesting a return is sooner rather than later for the youngster.
Jonny Evans was not involved in today’s session but Amorim did not namecheck him as a potential concern, though the 37-year-old defender has fallen firmly down the pecking order under the 40-year-old coach.
Ayden Heaven, 18, was spotted participating in an individual training session while Christian Eriksen was also absent, but sources at the club insist the Dane is “fit and available ahead of the clash with Bilbao,” according to the Manchester Evening News.
Noussair Mazraoui was present for training after the Moroccan international had missed last weekend’s loss to Brentford.
Amorim had previously stated the 27-year-old fullback needed to be rested as he had reached his physical limits but he is expected to play against Athletic tomorrow night at Old Trafford.
Elsewhere, academy stars Jaydan Kamason, Tyler Fredricson, Zach Baumann, Bendito Mantato and Chido Obi – who made his first senior start against the Bees on Sunday – also took part in first-team training.
Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images
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