Barcelona vs Manchester United team news: Nine players out

Manchester United will face off against Barcelona in the Europa League play-off round as the two sides bid to place themselves in the competition’s final 16.

Manchester United and Barcelona have nine players out between the two sides, with Erik ten Hag‘s men missing seven first team members, while Xavi has a key duo missing for the tie.

Speaking ahead of the fixture, Ten Hag said: “I think both clubs have the ambition to be in the Champions League and to have an impact in it. To make semi-finals and win, even, but the reality is, we’re in the Europa League, which shows both clubs needed a reset.”

“I think it’s exciting to face each other tomorrow night because it will help both clubs. With such tests, you get better.”

Read More: Predicted Manchester United XI to face Barcelona in the Europa League

Here is the latest team news for both sides as the two face off in the first leg of the tie, at Camp Nou.

Manchester United

Manchester United, as mentioned before, have seven usual first team players excluded from their travelling squad as Erik ten Hag plots his starting XI for the evening.

In terms of injury, Anthony Martial, Scott McTominay, and Antony are all unavailable for selection. While there is no time-frame on a potential return date for Martial, both McTominay and Antony may be available for the return fixture in a week’s time.

“It looks good,” Ten Hag replied when questioned on Wednesday if the trio will be back in time for the Carabao Cup final. “They are on the way back. They are on the training ground individually. They are making progress.”

In terms of suspension, there are a further two players who are unavailable for selection. Both Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer have been barred from playing the fixture due to yellow card accumulation during the Europa League and Champions League group stages, respectively.

United will be able to welcome back Casemiro to the matchday squad as his current three-match ban for violent conduct after being sent off against Crystal Palace does not apply to European fixtures. He has so far served two matches of this ban, and will be available for selection against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup, assuming he stays fit.

Donny van de Beek will remain side lined until the end of the season after undergoing knee surgery earlier this calendar year, and Christian Eriksen is not expected back until the end of April after suffering an ankle injury.

Barcelona

Xavi will be without a key duo for the fixture, with Ousmane Dembele and Sergio Busquets unavailable for the tie due to injury.

Dembele has been a shining light under Xavi this season, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in what has been his most consistent season since his nine-figure move from Borussia Dortmund to the Catalan club back in August 2017.

Busquets will be a huge miss for the side in midfield, as his leadership abilities and quality on the ball is highly valued by Xavi, who he himself knows a thing or two about the role a midfielder plays in important ties such as this one.

Ansu Fati could replace Dembele’s position as part of Barcelona’s front three on Thursday evening, with Franck Kessie being given the nod to fill the hole left by Busquets in their most recent fixture.