Huge blow: Solskjaer reveals 10 first-team players will miss Man Utd's PSG trip

March 4, 2019 By Ali M.

Topics: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Anthony Martial, Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba, Manchester United, PSG, UEFA Champions League

The Red Devils' odds of progressing in Europe this season have been heavily dented by their injury crisis.

Man United is gearing up for a crucial Champions League clash with PSG. After losing 2-0 at home in the first leg, the English giant will have to match or better that result at Parc des Princes this Wednesday if they wish to remain in this European competition.

And to make things worse, Solskjaer will be without 10 players for the trip to Paris. The interim manager revealed an update on his squad ahead of this do-or-die showdown and confessed that none of his injured players will return in time.

This means Nemanja Matic, Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Phil Jones, Matteo Darmian, Antonio Valencia, and Alexis Sanchez will not feature against PSG. The Chilean was the most recent player to pick up a knock, injuring his knee ligament in the 3-2 win over Southampton.

On top of that, Paul Pogba is suspended after being sent off in the first leg, leaving the manager short on options in midfield and attack. Many hoped Martial would be back in time, but Solskjaer confessed that he is yet to return to training and will thus not be risked for obvious reasons.

"I don’t think we can risk Martial. He’s not been training yet, so I don’t think so," the Norwegian boss said, as per the Mirror.

The 20-time Premier League champion is in the midst of a tight top-four battle with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea. Man United, who currently occupies the fourth spot, will travel to the Emirates Stadium next weekend for a clash with the Gunners.

That will be a crucial tie for the Old Trafford side as only a single point separates the two side. A win in north London similar to that FA Cup fourth-round triumph would gravely bolster the Red Devils' odds of qualifying for the Champions League next season.

Although it's a smart move, prioritizing the trip to Arsenal could result in a round of 16 elimination against PSG. While a comeback was always going to be difficult, their injury crisis will do them no favors on Wednesday.