Lindelof To Miss Brighton Clash, but Ten Hag Has Defensive Depth
Manchester United will be without Victor Lindelof for their upcoming Premier League match against Brighton & Hove Albion, as confirmed by manager Erik ten Hag. The Swedish centre-half has not played since the club's final pre-season match against Liverpool, where he was substituted after 45 minutes due to a precautionary measure.
Speaking ahead of the trip to the Amex, Ten Hag provided an update on Lindelof’s condition, confirming that the defender is sidelined due to a toe injury. “There is no confusion [about Lindelof], he has an issue on his toe,” Ten Hag explained as manutd.com quoted. “So hopefully he can return quickly, but he is not available for the weekend.”
Lindelof’s absence adds to United’s growing list of injured players, with left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia also unavailable. Additionally, summer signing Leny Yoro is expected to be out for another two months with a broken metatarsal, and striker Rasmus Hojlund remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. “Tyrell Malacia, Rasmus Hojlund. They are not available as well. Luke Shaw, of course,” Ten Hag added.
Despite the injury setbacks, Ten Hag’s defensive options have been bolstered by the recent arrivals of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. Both players made their debuts in United’s 1-0 victory over Fulham, with de Ligt slotting into the centre of defence and Mazraoui featuring at right-back.
The duo’s solid performances provided a timely boost for Ten Hag, as United secured all three points against the west London club, thanks to a late winner from another debutant, Joshua Zirkzee.
As United prepare to face Brighton, Ten Hag will be relying on his new defensive recruits to step up in Lindelof’s absence against the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck to continue the strong start to the season.
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