Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is grappling with a significant selection crisis ahead of his side's crucial Premier League trip to face Aston Villa this Sunday.
International Duty and Suspension Hit Hard
The Red Devils will be without three players who have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations. Defender Noussair Mazraoui, winger Amad Diallo, and forward Bryan Mbeumo are all unavailable as they travel to represent their respective nations.
Compounding these absences, experienced midfielder Casemiro will miss the match at Villa Park due to suspension. The Brazilian received his fifth yellow card of the league campaign earlier this week, triggering an automatic one-match ban.
Defensive Injury Doubts Add to Concerns
United's defensive options are further stretched, with two key centre-backs facing a race against time to be fit. Both Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are dealing with fitness issues and missed the dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth in midweek.
Speaking after that match, Amorim admitted uncertainty over their availability, stating he was unsure if either player would recover in time for the Villa fixture. Against Bournemouth, he was forced to field a back line of Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw, and Diogo Dalot.
Villa's Own Fitness Issues
Aston Villa are also navigating injury problems of their own. Manager Unai Emery will assess goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who has missed the last two games with a back injury.
The Villans remain without the services of defender Pau Torres and long-term absentee Tyrone Mings, while midfielder Ross Barkley is also sidelined. Additionally, Jadon Sancho is ineligible to face his parent club.
This match will be the first for Amorim's United side without their AFCON participants, presenting a stern test of their squad depth at a vital stage of the season.
