Joshua Zirkzee has delivered a hint surrounding his availability for the remainder of this season as Manchester United prepare to face West Ham on Sunday afternoon.
After a thrilling 4-1 victory over Athletic Club secured their spot in the Europa League final, Manchester United return to Premier League duty this weekend.
Rúben Amorim’s men face West Ham at Old Trafford in their penultimate home game of the season and their last at the stadium before heading to Bilbao.
With the league taking a back seat in the final stretch, Amorim is likely to hand opportunities to Academy players as he sharpens his tactical approach for the final.
But even with eyes on Europe, United—currently 15th—will be eager to restore some pride and finish a disappointing domestic campaign on a stronger note.
United latest injury news vs West Ham
Ahead of the trip against West Ham, Amorim is not expecting any players to return, but may see some players back next week.
Matthijs de Ligt suffered an ankle injury against Brentford last weekend that caused some serious concern, but it was later revealed that the injury was not severe, and he may be able to return to action against Chelsea next Friday.
Amorim confirmed that Harry Maguire will have to undergo fitness tests as he monitors a potential issue.
“Bruno doesn’t have the problem of any injury [touches wood] but Harry has,” confirmed Amorim. “So we have to manage that, but they have to play, and it is better to play than to stay out.”
Amorim later confirmed he will not be taking any risks with his team. “I have to make a choice. What is the best for the club, not what is the best for me. I make a choice in this moment. I’m going to try to save all the players because it’s really important for us to win the final.”
Diogo Dalot is being assessed week by week after suffering an issue two weeks ago, although Amorim has yet to rule him out for the season.
Jonny Evans was ruled out of the Europa League semi-final with an unspecified problem, while Toby Collyer and Ayden Heaven are both in individual training as they look to rebuild fitness levels.
Chido Obi is available for selection again after not being included in the Europa League squad due to ineligibility, and is likely to start as Rasmus Højlund is rested.
Zirkzee drops availability hint
Joshua Zirkzee and Lisandro Martínez were both initially ruled out for the rest of the season, although the former has since dropped a hint that he is fighting to be fit for the Europa League final.
On a call with Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies during one of the Canadian international’s live streams, Zirkzee revealed that “I’m trying to be back for the final… We’ll see what’s possible, but it’s going to be difficult.”
Zirkzee is currently suffering from a hamstring issue sustained against Newcastle last month, and Amorim would be keen to have him available for the Bilbao trip if possible.
Meanwhile, Martínez has no chance of returning to the side in time, with his ACL issue ruling him out until November 2025.
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