:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68944809/1306340581.0.jpg)
Manchester United face the visit of the historic Rossoneri of AC Milan on Thursday in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 first leg at Old Trafford. United are still a bit hampered in terms of player availability, but given most recent updates they fare better than their opposition.
Recently deposed as league leaders, AC Milan’s struggles have continued on the injury report, and they will likely be without several key players at Old Trafford. Former Manchester United no. 9 Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a major doubt for the match, as are defender Theo Hernandez and Daniel Maldini, midfielders Hakan Calhanoglu and Ismael Bennacer, and forwards Ante Rebic and Mario Mandzukic. Their loanees of Sandro Tonali and Diogo Dalot will both be available however, with the former returning from injury and the latter unrestricted by his loan agreement from United.
Manchester United’s star midfielder Paul Pogba remains on the injury list, and appears to be joined by Donny Van De Beek and Edinson Cavani, both of whom were absent in the Manchester Derby on Sunday. Luke Shaw and Anthony Martial were concerns at the weekend, but both featured and played important roles in the 2-0 win at the Etihad.
David De Gea is in Spain with his wife and newborn daughter, and will remain out of action for United until after the International Break in late March. Dean Henderson’s spot in the starting XI was never in much doubt for this one however, as he has featured in every non-Champions League cup match so far this season.
Juan Mata and Phil Jones are likely absences as well, with both players allegedly dealing with injuries during their extended time away from the squad this season. However Jones was a late addition to the European squad in January, so could theoretically feature at some point.
Lastly, Marcus Rashford is an injury concern after leaving the Manchester Derby on Sunday with a knock in the second half. The injury was to his ankle, though the damage does not appear to be as severe as it was last season, when surgery sidelined the forward for several months. However the swelling and bruising could still sideline Rashford for 1-2 weeks, which likely rules him out for this match.