Manchester United seem to have received a stroke of good luck with Matthijs de Ligt’s injury situation while one of their potential opponents in the Europa League have suffered a setback.
Matthijs de Ligt returned from injury for Manchester United in the Europa League against Athletic Club last week and started against Brentford on the weekend.
However, the central defender was forced off the pitch in the first-half with, what looked to be a serious injury to his knee, and replaced by Harry Maguire.
De Ligt has been an important player for United this season and now looks set to miss the second-leg of the Europa League semi-final with Athletic Club.
Ruben Amorim was more concerned about the length of the injury since it was the player’s knee. Lisandro Martinez suffered an ACL injury earlier this term and no one wants a repeat of that injury.
United receive De Ligt boost after Brentford injury
Fortunately, there is some level of good news with De Ligt’s injury situation after United’s defeat against Brentford.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the 25-year-old left the Gtech Community Stadium limping, but he was without crutches and walked onto the bus unaided.
That suggests that the injury is not as serious as Amorim might have been worrying about, although it would also be no surprise if the issue is something that keeps the Dutchman out for a few weeks.
Should the Reds reach the Europa League final, the game will be played on the 21 May in Bilbao, which gives De Ligt just under three weeks to recover for that potential clash.
Fortunately, the Reds have several in-form defenders, including Maguire and Leny Yoro, as well as other options to play in the back three in De Ligt’s absence.
Spurs suffer season-ending injuries ahead of Europa League clashes
While United might have got some good injury news, it has been the complete opposite for Tottenham Hotspur, who the Reds could be facing in the final of the Europa League.
Spurs won the first-leg of their semi-final tie against Bodø/Glimt 3-1 but have suffered some injury troubles in the meantime which will have Ange Postecoglou concerned.
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It was confirmed earlier this week that Lucas Bergvall has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an issue in training. The young midfielder has been one of Spurs’ best players this term.
Now, reports from Ben Jacobs have revealed that James Maddison, who was substituted in the game against Bodø/Glimt, has picked up a “significant knee injury” that will likely rule him out for the rest of the season as well.
Those are two of Spurs’ better players and they will certainly be at a disadvantage without them heading into the final stretch of the season.
United will certainly be aware of those developments, with Spurs being their likely opponent in the Europa League final, and some would suggest that those injuries could sway who is favourite for the win if they both make it to Bilbao.
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