INJURIES BEDEVIL UNITED-ARSENAL CLASH
Many injury concerns ahead of the clash between Manchester United and Arsenal might have eclipsed the excitement during the game.
Both sides are keen on emerging victors, particularly in the face of increased competition for the Premier League title this season. However, key players on both sides are in the race against time to pass final fitness test before Saturday afternoon.
For Arsenal, striker Danny Welbeck is yet to feature this season, and he would not be available for the tie. Centre back Per Mertesacker has left rehab but has not been declared fully fit for football games yet. Summer singing Shkodran Mustafi is expected to partner with Laurent Koscielny for the match. Another summer addition Lucas Perez is sidelined alongside playmaker Santi Cazorla and defender Hector Bellerin. Carl Jenkinson is the likely replacement for Bellerin.
Alexis Sanchez picked up an injury during the international break. Chile national team coach risked him despite warning from Coach Arsene Wenger that playing could worsen the situation.
The Chilean went on to score two crucial goals that helped them defeat Uruguay 3-1, and reposition their World Cup dream. He has told Wenger that he is in good shape ahead of the Red Devils clash, but Wenger would have to hope nothings happens before then.
Manchester United would be missing Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the player would be serving a suspension. Defenders Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are out injured. Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney, and Marouane Fellaini are set to miss the match. Mourinho would have to dig deep when making his tactics and selection for the clash, else Wenger might run away with a victory at Old Trafford. The bookies still give United the nod with a 55 percent chance of winning; while Arsenal have 18 percent chance to steal a victory at Old Trafford.