Manchester United could bring back Nousser Mazraoui ahead of a crucial fixture against Aston Villa, which will be crucial in the race for Champions League qualification. Mazraoui was substituted late in the defeat to Newcastle and faced a race against time to feature in the game against the Midlands at Old Trafford. The defender has now returned to training and is expected to be ready for selection by manager Michael Carrick.
The game against St James’ Park, Carrick’s first defeat since taking over as manager, was the Moroccan’s first start for the Red Devils since returning from the African Cup of Nations. He featured regularly for his country during their run to the finals, which they ultimately lost to Senegal in controversial circumstances. The former Bayern Munich full-back is working to get back into the competition and will be one of the players competing for a spot on the right side of defence.
This is encouraging news for Carrick. Carrick will be without Lisandro Martinez after suffering complications during practice. The Argentine has missed the last three Premier League matches due to a calf problem and is doubtful for the game against Villa as the club remain cautious.
The centre-half formed a partnership with Harry Maguire in Carrick’s first five games since his return as manager, but has been sidelined for 10 months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, and the medical team are treating the player with caution after suffering a “mild reaction”.
With Martinez absent from these games, Lenny Yolo was called up to the team. And the young French defender is expected to keep his place in Sunday’s home game against Villa, especially given the severe lack of centre-backs available.
Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined due to injury, and youngster Aiden Haven is likely to take his place on Sunday.
Things have changed significantly for both clubs since the two sides met at Villa Park earlier in the season, with United losing 2-1. The Red Devils currently sit in third place, level on points with Unai Emery’s side, but ahead on goal difference.
Villa were touted as dark horses in the Championship in December, but their performance has deteriorated dramatically since the turn of the year. They now face the realistic prospect of falling outside the top five and being disqualified from the Champions League.
Chelsea recently beat them 4-1, but Emery has won just three of 11 games.
