Early team news for Fulham v United

Thursday 02 November 2023 17:00

Manchester United are set to be without Casemiro for the Saturday lunchtime meeting with Fulham in the Premier League.

The Brazilian seems likely to miss the trip to Craven Cottage, having been substituted at the break due to injury during United’s 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United on Wednesday.

“I can’t give an answer on that,” Ten Hag replied when questioned on the severity of the issue.

“We have to wait 24 hours, but I think definitely for Saturday, he is out.”

There are also question marks around Raphael Varane, who didn’t feature in the matchday squad against the Magpies due to illness.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka returned to first-team action for the first time since 16 September, replacing Diogo Dalot to boost Ten Hag’s options in a backline which is still missing Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Luke Shaw.

There was also some good news around Amad this week, as the Ivorian returned to the grass at Carrington following the knee injury he suffered in the United States over the summer.

The Dutchman made seven changes for the visit of Eddie Howe’s side, with Sergio Reguilon, Antony and Mason Mount among those recalled to the XI.

Sofyan Amrabat, Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford joined Wan-Bissaka in coming off the bench in the second half, while Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans and Scott McTominay were unused substitutes after starting in Sunday’s Manchester derby defeat.

FULHAM TEAM NEWS

Fulham rotated heavily in beating Ipswich 3-1 in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, with Marco Silva only keeping Timothy Castagne, Calvin Bassey and Bobby De Cordova-Reid in from the side which drew 1-1 at Brighton at the weekend.

"We made eight changes to our starting 11,” Silva said. “Even then, we probably needed more because we have an early kick-off on Saturday, but in some positions it's impossible for me to do it.”

Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz and Tom Cairney all came into the XI and made it on to the scoresheet, while 18-year-old Luc De Fougerolles impressed for the Cottagers at centre-back in his first competitive start.

Silva is expected to return to a stronger line-up for United’s visit on Saturday, but the London club do have some issues in defence with Issa Diop out due to a foot injury and Tosin Adarabioyo still sidelined after groin surgery.

Kenny Tete is closing in on a comeback having been absent for six weeks for similar reasons, but this game may come too early for the Netherlands international. Similarly, Adama Traore – the rapid winger formerly of Wolves – is still managing his recovery from a hamstring issue which has kept him out since early September.

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