Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has included one of his key players in the matchday squad for Bournemouth despite him missing today's training.
Manchester United are looking to go into the international break with a crucial away victory as they take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium this Friday night, hoping to hang on to third place in the Premier League table as Aston Villa is still only two points behind the Reds, despite their recent defeat at Old Trafford last weekend.
Despite injuries being a constant issue at the club since Michael Carrick's takeover as interim manager in January, the squad has done quite well under the former United midfielder's leadership, even without the Reds bringing in any significant reinforcements during the winter transfer window, largely due to the uncertainty regarding their permanent manager next season.
Although as we enter the last stages of the season, United would need all of their key players up and running in order to book a place in the Champions League next season which would also significantly increase the chances of Carrick's extension at the club beyond this season.
During the recent training session at Carrington, two of Man United's key defenders, Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez, were unfortunately absent which raised concerns amongst the fans as the Reds are winless in their last five encounters against the Cherries with their latest encounter ending in a 4-4 draw at Old Trafford in December last year.
According to Carrick's latest press conference (h/t Manchester Evening News), Mazraoui only missed today's training due to illness and is expected to join the squad for their away clash on Friday before going into the international break.
With Matthijs de Ligt, Patrick Dorgu and Martinez ruled out of the game against the Cherries the inclusion of Mazraoui in the matchday squad undoubtedly stands as a ray of hope for Carrick before the crucial away tie.
De Ligt is yet to recover from his lower back injury since being sidelined in November. Martinez has been out with a calf injury he sustained last month and was expected to return this Friday, but Carrick has now ruled that out.
Both de Ligt and Martinez are expected to return to full fitness after the international break when they take on Leeds United at home. But as of now, Carrick will have an option available in the form of Mazraoui, although it is to be seen whether the Man United manager would start the Moroccan international ahead of Diogo Dalot, a sudden move which Carrick made during their defeat to Newcastle earlier this month.
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