As Arsenal gear up to host arch-rivals Manchester United in the Premier League on December 4, the latest team news from the Red Devils’ camp has emerged. While the Gunners will be pleased to hear this, the same cannot be said for Ruben Amorim and his Red Devils, who will have to manage without two key players.
As mentioned by TBR Football, United will be without defender Lisandro Martinez and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for their visit to the Emirates Stadium. While both players are fit and injury-free currently, the reason for their absence is an accumulation of yellow cards. The Manchester United pair has picked up five yellows apiece, meaning they will each miss one match.
A total of five yellow cards inside the first 19 matches of a Premier League season results in a one-match suspension, which Martinez and Mainoo will serve against Arsenal. However, with the fixture list getting congested this month, the pair will be back in action against Nottingham Forest on December 7.
What Martinez and Mainoo’s absence means for Arsenal
While Manchester United will be worrying about their team selection, Arsenal will be pleased to hear about Lisandro Martinez and Kobbie Mainoo’s situation. Both starters and key players for the Red Devils, their absence is guaranteed to weaken the team.
In defence, Harry Maguire can be expected to slot into the XI in place of the Argentine defender, while Manuel Ugarte can be expected to take up Mainoo’s place in midfield. The suspended pair offer pace, aggression and defensive solidity that helps United keep their shape. However, without them both, Arsenal will have slightly more space to work with in the final third.
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The Gunners, however, will have to deal with one concern of their own. Defender Gabriel Magalhaes is doubtful for the match and Mikel Arteta will be eagerly waiting for updates regarding the Brazilian.
