Wan-Bissaka, Zirkzee: Manchester United early injury news vs Manchester City

Erik ten Hag has multiple injuries to consider as Manchester United prepare to face Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium.

With Manchester United having finished their pre-season tour, Erik ten Hag‘s men have landed back in the United Kingdom as they look to finalise their preparations for the 2024/25 season.

The 2024 European Championships and Copa America meant that many key players, such as Lisandro Martínez, Bruno Fernandes, and Kobbie Mainoo, were not able to take part in pre-season, but they have now arrived at Carrington following their extended respective holidays.

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They have been in training since the end of last week and will have five or six days to help improve their fitness, although many have been spotted still training during their time off.

While Ten Hag may have a headache choosing whether to start such players, he also has a few injuries to consider. Rasmus Højlund will be out for another five weeks with a hamstring issue, while Leny Yoro underwent foot surgery on Monday and will need three months of rehabilitation work.

Meanwhile, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was substituted against Liverpool with a dead leg and a poke to his eye, although this is not thought to be a significant injury.

With Højlund injured, Ten Hag will have to choose whether to start new signing Joshua Zirkzee up front despite the player yet to be training with his new teammates – Jadon Sancho has been occupying the striker position since Højlund’s injury on tour.

Zirkzee has been training longer than the others who have just returned to Carrington, meaning he has a higher level of fitness, but still not as much as those who have been on tour.

Academy defender Will Fish seemingly suffered a significant ankle injury against Liverpool last week that will rule him out for a while, but no official update has been given.

Harry Maguire did not play in the tie and Victor Lindelöf was withdrawn after 45 minutes, but both decisions were said to be “precautions” as Ten Hag does not want a repeat of the defensive injury crisis the club suffered last campaign.

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