Solskjaer has revealed that Man Utd are going through an injury crisis and could be without as many as 10 players against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United produced a fighting display in the second half against Liverpool as an injury-hit side held the league leaders to a draw.
However, the problems are far from over for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as the caretaker manager revealed that the side could be without as many as 10 players for the game against Crystal Palace.
Manchester United travel to Selhurst Park for the mid-week fixture.
Ander Herrera, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard added to the injury-woes for the side after Anthony Martial was already on the sidelines.
#MUFC likely to be without as many as 10 players against #CPFC. Lingard, Martial, Matic, Herrera, Mata, Jones, Valencia, Darmian, Greenwood all ruled out by Solskjaer. Rashford still being assessed but doesn’t look good at this stage. Pogba only fit member of first choice front 6
— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) February 26, 2019
Solskjaer said at his press conference this morning there were “not a lot of positives” to report on United’s injury situation. Could be without 10 players at Crystal Palace tomorrow.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonESPN) February 26, 2019
Solskjaer revealed that Phil Jones has also been unwell, and Antonio Valencia will still take a ‘few weeks’ to sustain match fitness.
“Valencia is a bit off because he did his calf again,” Solskjaer informed in the press conference ahead of the game.
“He’s started running, but he’s still a few weeks off. Martial is not going to be ready for this one, either, we can’t risk it. So maybe Southampton but we’re not going to risk another one too early.
“In hindsight maybe you can say Jesse [Lingard] was eager [against Liverpool]. He ticked all the boxes in training, had done all the recovery work and rehab but maybe a couple of days too early. Then again, it was Liverpool and he was desperate to be part of it.”
The Norwegian also informed that the academy youngsters will be involved in the match-day squad and are ready to make an appearance in the game.
“The kids are joining in [training] today. They’ll be involved in the squad,” said the manager.
“They’ve been part of our training for a long time now and I’m sure Angel has been successful with England’s under-17s, the 2017 team with Sancho, Foden and Hudson-Odoi, so he’s been a big part of that.
“James Garner is a Michael Carrick but 20 years younger, I’m sure he’ll do well and Chongy will be taking people on if he comes on. They’re ready, they’re kids.”
Happy birthday Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Thank you for making us United once again. 14 games, unbeaten in the league, wins against Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal away. Manager or the month. Record number of points for a manager in their opening 10 games.
You are my Solskjaer! 🇾🇪 #mufc pic.twitter.com/5geZQzm0FY
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) February 26, 2019
Solskjaer also insisted that the lack of first-team attacking options also provides a huge opportunity for Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez, who have been highly inconsistent this season.
Here are the ten players who are likely to miss the clash against Crystal Palace:
Antonio Valencia, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Phil Jones, Ander Herrera, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford, Nemanja Matic, Matteo Darmian and Mason Greenwood.
