Manchester United vs Real Sociedad: Late fitness boost for “key pair” ahead of Europa League clash

Manchester United and Real Sociedad have both had their own injury concerns heading into their Europa League clash on Thursday night.

Manchester United head into a crucial Europa League clash against Real Sociedad this week, with their season at a crossroads.

On Sunday, they suffered a devastating FA Cup exit, losing to Fulham on penalties in the fifth round after missed spot-kicks from Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee.

With Ruben Amorim’s side sitting 14th in the Premier League and well outside the European qualification spots, the Europa League remains their only realistic shot at silverware and Champions League qualification.

The round-of-16 tie kicks off in Spain on Thursday, with the important return leg set for Old Trafford next week.

Sociedad receive late double boost for United clash

Ahead of the game, it was confirmed by Amorim that United would be without Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte due to small injury issues.

For the visitors, Toby Collyer is the only Red who has returned to the squad from the injury list and he could be in line to start the game.

On the other hand, Sociedad have received a significant last-minute boost in relation to their team news for the clash.

Mundo Deportivo noted on Wednesday afternoon that the “key pair” of Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Zubimendi trained with Imanol Alguacil’s squad ahead of the game.

Oyarzabal was ruled out of their defeat against Barcelona on the weekend while Zubimendi came off in that game with a knee injury.

However, it appears that both players have been passed as fit to play ahead of this game, with Nayef Aguerd also set to return to the squad for the Spanish team.

Amorim chooses smaller squad size for United vs Sociedad

United have injuries to their squad but Amorim has decided against filling empty spots with Academy talent for this game.

The Reds only took 18 players on their flight to San Sebastian, including three goalkeepers, which means that the bench on Thursday is set to be to the bare bones.

In the Europa League you can have up to 12 players on the bench but Amorim will only have seven in total at the Reale Arena, and five outfield options.

Read More: Ruben Amorim could start Manchester United duo vs Real Sociedad for first time since “valuable” pre-season clash

“When I put the squad, I see the players that I have that train with us and then I imagine the substitutions,” Amorim told reporters during his press conference. “That’s why I sometimes call it one or two. Then I’m trying to see if they train with us.

“Then I’m trying to see if they come here to play or be on the bench, for you guys to be seeing a lot of youth. I’m trying to manage everything.

“I know it’s a big step for them. I’m trying to cope with everything. When I do my squad, I’m trying to think about every aspect, of the formation of the kid, of the squad and not if it will look really well with the fans and the media.”

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