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Manchester United have been given the gift of more inconvenient injury news this holiday season. De facto team captain Antonio Valencia has been ruled out of the festive schedule with injury. After coming off during United’s win over West Brom last weekend, the manager has confirmed that Valencia will be absent for the foreseeable future because of a hamstring problem.
With Eric Bailly already a long-term absentee, United are likely to field makeshift backlines for at least the 5 matches in 17 days over the Christmas period.
“Fellaini is not available. Michael Carrick, no. Not for the Christmas period.
“Valencia is out as you know, Eric Bailly is having surgery right now, or is just finishing or is still there, who else? Nobody else, everything is OK.”
Marouane Fellaini also remains absent, after missing the last 7 matches through injury. Club captain Michael Carrick is also unavailable, likely due to his continued recovery from an irregular heartbeat, leaving the club as thin in midfield as in defense.
Poll
Who should play right-back in Valencia’s absence?
This poll is closed
-
23%
Matteo Darmian
(13 votes) -
58%
Ashley Young
(33 votes) -
17%
Axel Tuanzebe
(10 votes) -
0%
Other
(0 votes)