Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that centre-back Harry Maguire is doubtful for Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City after picking up a knock against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Maguire played the entirety of Saturday's dull 0-0 draw with Wolves, but appeared to injure his thigh early on. While it did not stop him from playing, he is understood to have been spotted limping after the game.
Speaking after the game (via The Sun), Solskjaer confessed that he was unsure about Maguire's fitness, but the club still hope that he will be back in time to face City.
“I don’t know [if he will be fit]," the boss admitted. “We were close to taking him off at half-time, but he battled through and let’s see how he recovers. We hope so.”
Should Maguire fail to recover in time, it is likely that Phil Jones will step in to line up alongside Victor Lindelöf. Eric Bailly and Axel Tuanzebe are both closing in on returns from injury, but neither is expected to be ready for Tuesday, while Marcos Rojo is understood to be 'on standby' in Argentina in anticipation of a January move away from Old Trafford.
The draw against Wolves, in which United failed to have a shot on target, means they must now face Nuno Espírito Santo's side again later this month, adding one more fixture to their already hectic schedule.
However, Solskjaer told BT Sport after the game that he is not worried by any potential fitness issues.
“We do have enough games and we will probably play Wolves in the Europa League soon, but that’s what we’re in it for. I would rather have a replay than go out," the boss said.
“When I played we drew Burton away and they got us at Old Trafford, we beat them 5-0 but it’s great days out for them as well. It’s not just about the top teams having too many games. It’s about the draw and romance.
“We had nine games in 29 or 30 days in December so we might as well carry on. It’s the schedule we are in and have to accept it. I am full of praise for the players and how they cope with it.”
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Source : 90min
