Manchester United are sweating over the fitness of a couple of key players ahead of their Premier League trip to Newcastle United on Sunday, April 2 (kick-off 4:30pm).
Following the early season meeting at Old Trafford and last month’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley, the two clubs meet for the third and final time this season - and it’s an encounter that carries lots of weight.
A win for Eddie Howe’s side would put them level on points (50) with Man United and leapfrog their visitors into third on goal difference. By the same token, Erik ten Hag’s men would open up a six point cushion with the luxury of a game in-hand to play.
Newcastle have injury problems of their own, with top goalscorer Miguel Almiron ruled out for the next six games, while Anthony Gordon is in a race to be fit. Nick Pope, who withdrew from the England squad and Allan Saint-Maximin are expected to be OK.
Man United, meanwhile, could be without up to seven players. Marcus Rashford is the biggest injury concern after he also pulled out of the England squad. Here’s a look at the Red
9. Raphael Varane - doubt
Varane missed the FA Cup win versus Fulham on Sunday with a “small” injury. Ten Tag is hopeful the centre-back will be back in time for Newcastle. | Manchester United via Getty Imag
10. Marcel Sabitzer - doubt
Sabitzer was an unused substitute in Austria’s 2-1 win over Estonia on Monday. The on-loan Bayern Munich midfielder has been suffering with knee pain. | Getty Images
11. Phil Jones - out
Jones is set to be released by Man United at the end of the season with injury restricting him to only two starts in the last three years. | Getty Images
12. Brandon Williams - doubt
Williams has played just five minutes of first-team football for Man United this season - and that against Burnley in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. | Manchester United via Getty Imag