Manchester United Optimistic About Return of Trio for Crystal Palace Clash
Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, is reportedly hopeful that Sergio Reguilon, Christian Eriksen, and Scott McTominay will be available for selection in the upcoming Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday.
These three players were absent from the squad during United’s recent EFL Cup third-round victory against Crystal Palace due to illness.
Reguilon, who had felt unwell before the Premier League match against Burnley last Saturday but insisted on playing, was later advised to stay away from the training complex as a precautionary measure following club protocols for unwell players.
Both Eriksen and McTominay were part of the squad for the Burnley match, with the latter playing the full 90 minutes and the former being an unused substitute. However, both players fell ill shortly before the Crystal Palace encounter and were omitted from the matchday squad.
Although there were doubts about their availability for the upcoming Premier League fixture, United is now optimistic about their recovery. The four-day gap between Tuesday’s and Saturday’s matches is expected to provide them with sufficient time to regain their fitness.
Reguilon has made three appearances for Manchester United since joining the club this month, featuring in Premier League matches against Burnley and Brighton & Hove Albion, as well as making a late substitute appearance in the Champions League against Bayern Munich.
Eriksen has played six times in various competitions for the Red Devils, including four starts, while McTominay has made five appearances this season, starting in two of them.
In addition to monitoring the trio’s fitness, Manchester United will assess the condition of center-back Lisandro Martinez, who missed the midweek victory over Crystal Palace due to a minor foot injury.
However, the club will continue to be without defensive players Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia as they recover from muscle injuries. Amad Diallo (knee) and Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) are not expected to return until after the next international break in mid-October.
Additionally, Antony is on leave amid allegations of assault, while Jadon Sancho has been excluded from first-team training following a well-publicized social media outburst at Ten Hag.
Currently occupying the ninth spot in the Premier League table with nine points from their first six games, Manchester United will be eager to close the five-point gap separating them from the top four when they face Crystal Palace, who are just one place and one point behind them in 10th position.