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Manchester United 'set to receive major injury boost for FA Cup semi-final'

Man Utd 'set to receive major injury boost for FA Cup semi-final'
© Reuters
Manchester United expect Harry Maguire to be fit for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly expecting Harry Maguire to be fit for Sunday's FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City despite his absence from training on Tuesday.

Maguire completed the full 90 minutes against Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend, but Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag said after the match that the centre-back had picked up an issue in the first period of the match.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the England international was nursing a thigh problem against the Cherries, which led to him speaking with club physio Richard Merron and doctor Jim Moxon.

Maguire was not pictured training with the Red Devils on Tuesday, leading to suggestions that he could be absent for the FA Cup semi-final with Coventry.

However, it is understood that he is expected to be available to face the Championship side and missed out on Tuesday's training session at Carrington as a precaution.

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire on December 12, 2023© Reuters

Maguire expected to be available for Coventry game

"Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half and luckily for us he overcame and recovered from it," Ten Hag told reporters after the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

"You can see the second half he was up there and then he can express his leadership, he can express his defensive qualities and rest on the ball, we especially needed that in this back four."

Maguire is currently Man United's only senior centre-back available for selection, with Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans, Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez on the sidelines.

Willy Kambwala has started the last two Premier League matches alongside Maguire in the middle of the defence and that is again expected to be the case this weekend.

However, if the 19-year-old or Maguire are unavailable, it is likely that defensive midfielder Casemiro would step into action in the middle of the defence.

Manchester United's Lisandro Martinez on August 19, 2023© Reuters

How is the rest of the Man United squad shaping up?

As mentioned, Varane, Evans, Lindelof and Martinez are all out, while fellow defenders Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw are also missing for the 20-time English champions.

Anthony Martial is back in individual training, with the forward working his way back from a groin operation, but he is still not available for selection.

Meanwhile, Scott McTominay remains a doubt due to the injury which forced him to miss out against both Liverpool and Bournemouth, and he was not in the training pictures on Tuesday.

Antony, though, was pictured taking part in the session, suggesting that he will be available for selection against Coventry after missing the game with Bournemouth due to a slight muscular issue.

Alejandro Garnacho was replaced at the interval of the game with Bournemouth, but it was a tactical call by Te Hag, and the Argentina international is training ahead of the FA Cup semi-final.

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Written by
Matt Law

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