No injury – Solskjaer reveals why Eric Bailly missed Liverpool clash
Speaking after the win against Liverpool on Sunday (h/t Metro), Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed that Eric Bailly was rested for the FA Cup 4th round due to a minor fitness issue and not an injury.
United started with a strong side against Liverpool despite Bruno Fernandes being benched. Another absentee from the matchday squad was Eric Bailly, who wasn’t even on the bench.
The Ivorian played the full 90 minutes against Fulham in the Premier League and hence, his absence raised concerns about a potential fitness issue.
The Red Devils went with the trusted pairing of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire at the back. Axel Tuanzebe made the bench but there were no signs of the former Villarreal centre-back.
Bailly will be fit for Sheffield
After the match, Solskjaer clarified that Bailly was left out due to a minor knock; one which is nothing to worry about. He said that the team had cover for him, so there was “no point on taking a risk”.
“It was just a little thing that I didn’t want to risk him today.”
And in some good news, Solskjaer believes that he will be available for the next game against Sheffield United in the Premier League. However, he didn’t confirm if that means that Bailly would be starting.
“Eric will be available [to face Sheffield United]. He’s fine, there’s no problem. I can’t say if he’s playing or not, but he’s fit and available for selection for Wednesday.”
United secured a massive win despite the defender’s absence. Goals from Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and Bruno Fernandes led Solskjaer’s side to a 3-2 win.
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United now face Sheffield United on Wednesday night. The league leaders can extend their lead at the top with all 3 points against the bottom-placed side in the league.