Manchester United Hit by Six Absences Before Como Champions League Clash
Manchester United face a mounting selection problem before Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Como, with six senior players absent from Tuesday’s training session and Benjamin Sesko still sidelined. Michael Carrick’s side enter the fixture without a victory in six matches in all competitions, increasing the pressure to find a response in Europe.
United’s injury concerns deepen before Como
Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven did not take part in the final session reported ahead of the Como match. The absences stem from a mixture of fitness problems, including muscle issues and illness, leaving Carrick with fewer options during a demanding sequence of fixtures.
Sesko is also unavailable as he continues to recover from a shin problem. His absence further reduces the manager’s ability to refresh his forward line, while Rashford’s status is uncertain after he failed to train fully.
- Rashford was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Leeds United but may not be ready to begin against Como.
- Martinez has a thigh concern after being taken off at half-time against Leeds on Sunday.
- Shaw has not appeared in recent matches since limping off against Tottenham.
- Mainoo has missed United’s last two games following an unspecified injury sustained against Tottenham.
- Dorgu is still recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered while away with Denmark.
- Heaven was also absent from Tuesday’s session.
Defensive options under particular strain
United’s back line has been hit hardest ahead of the European tie. Martinez was withdrawn during the interval at Elland Road, with Carrick saying afterwards that the Argentina international had felt discomfort in his thigh. Shaw’s continuing lay-off compounds the concern on the left side of the defence.
Leny Yoro cannot offer cover either, as the defender is suspended following his dismissal against Atletico Madrid. That could bring Matthijs de Ligt closer to a first start after a lengthy absence. The Dutch centre-back has not played since undergoing back surgery last November, although he has been working towards full match fitness.
Should Carrick decide De Ligt is not yet ready, United may need to turn to younger options. Teenage defenders Dan Armer and Jaydan Kamason were involved in Tuesday’s training, while Harry Amass could become an option at left-back. Amass’s inclusion would provide balance if Noussair Mazraoui is required centrally or on the right.
European campaign needs a recovery
The Como fixture gives United an opportunity to arrest a difficult run and restore momentum in their Champions League group campaign. Their European schedule began with a 4-0 win over Sabah, but that result was followed by a 2-0 away defeat to Atletico Madrid.
| Champions League match | Result |
|---|---|
| Manchester United v Sabah | Manchester United won 4-0 |
| Atletico Madrid v Manchester United | Manchester United lost 2-0 |
Carrick seeks a solution
With results having stalled across all competitions, Carrick must weigh the fitness of key players against the need to produce an immediate improvement. The manager’s choices against Como may depend on late checks on Martinez and Rashford, as well as whether De Ligt is sufficiently prepared to return to the starting side.
United’s need for points in Europe is clear, but so is the risk posed by an increasingly stretched squad. Wednesday’s game will test both the depth of Carrick’s group and the readiness of the club’s younger defenders.
