With Arsenal hosting Manchester United this weekend, it will surely be considered a huge match up as the two rival clubs go head-to-head in a bid to outplay – as well as outclass – one another.
However, there is a third team, that could go unnoticed when the pair meet and that is the injured XI, consisting of a host of United and Gunners stars whom may be unable to take part.
We have created a rather scary looking combined injured XI with some of the mentioned names very likely to be on the sidelines cheering for their respective sides.
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CLICK ON MESUT OZIL TO SEE THE FULL LIST
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Goalkeeper
Name: David De Gea
Age: 24
Nationality: Spain
Club: Manchester United
Injury: Finger
Both clubs have an injured goalkeeper each with David De Gea still a doubt whist David Ospina is also not likely to feature. However, the Spanish keeper is probably Manchester United’s most consistent player and, should he be unavailable, the entire squad will surely suffer. Latest speculation suggest he might be able to start against the Gunners, but even if he does play, we will know he isn’t fully fit due to his recent dislocated finger.
Right Back
Name: Mathieu Debuchy
Age: 29
Nationality: France
Club: Arsenal
Injury: Ankle/Foot
Mathieu Debuchy’s showing the previous season and his impressive start this season before his injury spell makes him a major loss for Arsenal as the entire squad will be hoping he returns very soon. He has great attacking abilities and is also composed in defence, but Arsene Wenger might need to wait until January before he can use him at right back again.
Right Centre Back
Name: Phil Jones
Age: 22
Nationality: England
Club: Manchester United
Injury: Calf/Shin
With only a 50% chance for Phil Jones being fit on time for the Arsenal game, Manchester United are adding even more woes to their already struggling back line. Many believe he can be the key to rejuvenating the squad’s back-line, but his proneness to injuries is always pulling him back. The good news is he is getting closer to a full recovery and might be able to feature the following weekend.
Left Centre Back
Name: Laurent Koscielny
Age: 29
Nationality: France
Club: Arsenal
Injury: Calf/Shin
Laurent Koscielny has not featured for Arsenal in four matches and is very likely to miss the upcoming clash as well. his injury has left a gaping hole in the squad’s back-line as their recent form proves that the French centre-back is a huge loss. He is tipped to return to training this weekend meaning he could make a brief appearance next week as he begins to improve his match fitness.
Left Back
Name: Marcos Rojo
Age: 24
Nationality: Argentina
Club: Manchester United
Injury: Shoulder
Although Marcos Rojo is being deployed as a centre-back for Manchester United, his usual position is at left-back hence his inclusion into the injured XI squad. He was in great form during the World Cup for Argentina and was enjoying a good spell for United before his injury halted his development. He is tipped to return in the middle of next month as Louis van Gaal will surely be missing his services in his struggling back-line.
Defensive Midfield
Name: Daley Blind
Age: 24
Nationality: Netherland
Club: Manchester United
Injury: Knee
Daley Blind will be a huge absence for Manchester United as he is seen as the key member in controlling the club’s link between the midfield and the defence. Without the services of the defensive midfielder, as well as a few of the team’s top defenders, United will surely struggle to deal with the pace of Arsenal’s attacking force. He is unlikely to feature as a host of tactical changes will need to be made by Louis van Gaal.
Defensive Midfield
Name: Mikel Arteta
Age: 32
Nationality: Spain
Club: Arsenal
Injury: Hamstring
Mikel Arteta hasn’t been having the most consistent season so far, dropping in form as well as picking up injuries along the way limiting his regular playing time. The Arsenal captain was the man the players turn to in order to add stability into the midfield, but his absence has left a gaping hole. He is tipped to mark his return by featuring in the game against Manchester United as only time will tell if he can gain back his fitness before kick-off.
Defensive Midfield
Name: Michael Carrick
Age: 33
Nationality: England
Club: Manchester United
Injury: Groin
Michael Carrick only just returned from injury to feature in two of Manchester United’s latest matches, one being for the full 90 minutes before he eventually picked up a knock while on international duty. He is still tipped to play against Arsenal this weekend, but might not get the full 90 minutes. Carrick’s availability will be a huge boost for Louis van Gaal because of his versatility in midfield as well as in defence.
Attacking Midfield
Name: Mesut Ozil
Age: 26
Nationality: Germany
Club: Arsenal
Injury: Knee
When it comes to a more attacking midfielder, Mesut Ozil’s name is surely the one that tops the list as the German playmaker will be a huge miss for Arsene Wenger. If he is on form, his ability to spot the key passes for Arsenal’s pacey front-line will continuously cause problems for Manchester United during the counter attacks. However, he still needs a lot more recovery time before he can return to the starting line-up.
Striker
Name: Olivier Giroud
Age: 28
Nationality: France
Club: Arsenal
Injury: Ankle
Olivier Giroud is closing in on his return to full fitness as he revealed he hopes to make a recovery by the time Arsenal host Manchester United this weekend. Despite the recent additions of both Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, Arsene Wenger will still consider the services of the French striker if he can prove his worth upon his return. His chance of appearing is only 50% as the Gunners may consider a pacey front-line over a towering presence as they bid to break down the United defence.
Striker
Name: Radamel Falcao
Age: 28
Nationality: Colombia
Club: Manchester United
Injury: Calf/Shin
Radamel Falcao is regarded as one of the most lethal strikers on the planet, but a number of injuries has slowed down his development with many fans hoping he can quickly recover and become the all out striker he was made to be. He has only made three starts this season, netting only once in the close fought victory over Everton. The string of injuries has even questioned his future role at Manchester United with Louis van Gaal not willing to sign him on a permanent basis if he continues to be unavailable for selection.