Manchester United midfielder Marcel Sabitzer picks up knee injury to add to Erik ten Hag’s midfield woes
Posted by  badge Boss on Mar 27, 2023 - 12:15PM
Sabitzer missed Austria’s training session on Sunday (Picture: Getty)

midfielder is nursing a knee injury but could still play for Austria in Monday’s qualifier against Estonia.

Sabitzer, who joined United on loan from on the final day of the January transfer window, was in excellent form on Friday night, scoring twice in a qualifier victory over Azerbaijan.

The 29-year-old, who also captained his side on the night, was substituted late on and subsequently missed Austria’s final training session on Sunday before the game against Estonia.

Austria boss Ralf Rangnick, who served as United’s interim boss last season following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure, is optimistic the midfielder can recover in time but suggested the final decision may be left with the player.

‘In the end, it is a question of pain and pain tolerance for both Marcel and Gernot [Trauner],’ Ragnick said.

‘Of course, we hope that Marcel will do well, especially after that first game in Linz. At the moment, I’m optimistic that it can work but, at the end of the day, it’s also a question of whether Marcel feels ready for it himself. At the moment, I am assuming he’ll play.

‘It made more sense to leave them out [of the session] again, just to give them one more day. But there are enough other candidates.’

Ten Hag already has problems in midfield (Picture: Getty)

, a clever flicked finish as part of the comeback win over Fulham in their FA Cup quarter-final clash.

United already face problems in midfield with he picked up following a straight red card against Southampton.

The Brazil international will miss league fixtures against Newcastle United, Brentford and Everton with Sabitzer possibly having a key role to play in those fixtures.

Scott McTominay and Fred are Erik ten Hag’s only other midfield options with Christian Eriksen still recovering from an ankle problem, although the manager spoke positively about the Dane’s return before the international break.

‘He won’t be ready for Sunday [the FA Cup tie against Fulham], but he will be ready in April,’ said Ten Hag.

‘He’s about to come back.’

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