Manchester United’s injury concerns have become a prominent issue this season, and as the team heads to Czechia for their upcoming Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen, the Red Devils are once again facing some fitness challenges. Under the management of Ruben Amorim, there has been progress on the injury front, but there are still notable absentees, particularly in the defensive and midfield areas. Here’s a breakdown of the latest injury updates and which players will be unavailable for the clash with Viktoria Plzen.
Injury Overview
While Manchester United‘s injury situation has improved since Ruben Amorim took charge, with several key players returning to fitness, the club continues to struggle with squad depth, especially in defense. As the busy festive period approaches, squad rotation will be crucial, and Amorim’s ability to manage the fitness of his players will be tested to the fullest. The Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen comes at a crucial time, and the team’s injury list could impact their preparations for this match.
Defensive Concerns: Key Absences and Recoveries
The injury situation in defense has been a major talking point for Manchester United this season. While the club has seen some positive developments in this area, there are still concerns about key players. Let’s take a look at the latest status of defenders and goalkeepers ahead of the Viktoria Plzen match.
Luke Shaw: Hamstring Injury – Out
Luke Shaw’s return to action earlier in the season had fans hopeful for a full recovery after missing the start of the 2024/25 campaign due to a calf injury. However, Shaw has been sidelined once again after suffering a “small setback” with his hamstring. This setback means that the England international will not be available for the match against Viktoria Plzen and is expected to be out for the next few weeks. Shaw’s absence will be a blow to United, as he had been a key part of their defense before his recent injury.
Victor Lindelof: Groin Injury – Available
In contrast to Shaw, Victor Lindelof has made progress in his recovery and could be in line to feature in the upcoming Europa League match. Amorim provided a positive update last week, confirming that Lindelof had returned to training. While he wasn’t available for the Nottingham Forest game, there is optimism that Lindelof will be fit to play against Viktoria Plzen. The Swedish defender’s return to the squad will be a much-needed boost for United as they look to strengthen their defensive options.
Jonny Evans: Knock – Available
Jonny Evans, who hasn’t featured since Amorim’s first match as United manager against Portman Road, has also returned to training. The Northern Irishman has been nursing a knock, but Amorim has confirmed that Evans is now available for selection. Although his fitness may not be at 100%, his inclusion in the squad could provide depth to a defense that has been plagued with injuries this season.
Harry Maguire & Leny Yoro: Fully Fit – Available
Both Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro have now returned to full fitness, which will be a relief for Amorim, especially with the festive period fast approaching. The availability of these two defenders means that United will have more options at the back for the clash with Viktoria Plzen. Maguire, in particular, has faced criticism at times this season, but his inclusion in the squad provides additional experience in the defensive unit.
Midfield and Attacking Options
In midfield, Manchester United has fewer injury concerns, and Ruben Amorim will be able to call upon a relatively strong group of players for Thursday’s match. However, fatigue is still a factor for certain individuals, and this could influence Amorim’s team selection.
Toby Collyer: Knock – Available
Toby Collyer is a young talent who has been struggling with an unspecified injury since early November. Prior to his injury, Collyer had featured sporadically under Erik ten Hag, and his return to full fitness is a welcome development for United. The 20-year-old midfielder has now resumed training and is expected to be available for selection in the Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen. Collyer’s presence could offer fresh legs and additional depth to United’s midfield.
Bruno Fernandes: Fatigue – Doubtful
Bruno Fernandes has been a key player for Manchester United this season, featuring in almost every match in both the Premier League and Europa League. However, the Portuguese international was withdrawn late in the defeat to Nottingham Forest due to fatigue, and this could see him rested for the upcoming Europa League clash. While Fernandes is not believed to be dealing with any injury, the busy schedule may prompt Amorim to give him a much-needed break. The absence of Fernandes would be a significant blow for United, given his influence in the attacking midfield role.
Summary of Player Availability for Viktoria Plzen
Here is a summary of the current injury status for Manchester United players heading into their Europa League fixture against Viktoria Plzen:
| Player | Injury | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Luke Shaw | Hamstring | Out |
| Jonny Evans | Knock | Available |
| Victor Lindelof | Groin | Available |
| Toby Collyer | Knock | Available |
| Bruno Fernandes | Fatigue | Doubtful |
Conclusion
While Manchester United’s injury situation has improved under Ruben Amorim, key players like Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes remain doubts for the Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen. On the defensive front, players such as Lindelof, Evans, and Maguire are back in contention, which offers some hope for the team. Amorim will have to carefully manage his squad as the busy fixture list intensifies during the festive period. United’s ability to navigate these injury challenges will play a crucial role in determining how their season unfolds in the coming weeks.
