Patrick Rees
Ahead of an all-important trip to Liverpool next weekend, Manchester United have been chucked with a massive injury blow, as midfielder Marouane Fellaini limped off the field in as early as the 29th minute of Belgium’s World Cup qualifier against Bosnia and Herzegovina last night, due to an injury.
Belgium won the game by the closest of margins, which was 3-4, courtesy of goals from Thomas Meunier, Michy Batshuayi, Jan Vertonghen and Yannick Carrasco. But it came at the cost of Marouane Fellaini. Although Fellaini has been suffering from an Achilles problem since a week, he was selected for the fixture, claims ESPN.
What questions Roberto Martínez’s team selection is that the midfielder did not train with the national squad this week, as he was still feeling the bruises of the injury he sustained against Southampton. Yet, he was selected for the game. Belgium have qualified for the World Cup.
Marouane Fellaini off with an injury. Hello, Jose? #mufc pic.twitter.com/N4Ca6kVPmO
— Kristof Terreur 📰 (@HLNinEngeland) October 7, 2017
Belgium were up by a goal when Fellaini was replaced by Leander Dendoncker and United will now have to assess their options ahead of the derby. We have already lost Paul Pogba to a ‘long-term’ injury, while Nemanja Matic himself has confessed that he is not 100% fit; citing the reason that he trained alone in the summer and did not play the pre-season games.
This has now left Mourinho with Ander Herrera, as Michael Carrick is yet to shake a leg in the Premier League. Liverpool are a formidable attacking force (although I hate saying this) and given their record against the top six sides, we do have a thing or two to worry about.
The Devils were on the brink of losing Romelu Lukaku as well, but the scans reported no fracture or any structural damage to his ankle. The striker was rested by Belgium for the Bosnia game, although he is expected to make an appearance for Tuesday’s final group game against Cyprus.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have their issues as well. Both Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho will return from their international duty just two days before the game, hence their participation in the derby is a slight doubt.
Having said that, expect Matic and Herrera to start the game against Liverpool.
