Bad news for Man Utd with three Real Sociedad stars back in training ahead of Europa League clash | OneFootball

Manchester United have been handed a potential blow with Real Sociedad welcoming three players back to training ahead of the first leg of the Europa League round of 16 tie on Thursday.

The Red Devils take on Sociedad at the Reale Arena tomorrow. Ahead of the game, the club have suffered an untimely blow with a couple of key players absent from first-team training.

Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte picked up knocks in the FA Cup fifth-round loss to Fulham. The duo were not spotted in today’s session and could be sidelined for the Basque trip.

By contrast, Sociedad have received good news on the injury front, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Zubimendi training with their teammates today, as per Mundo Deportivo.

Oyarzabal was on the bench for the 4-0 La Liga defeat to Barcelona, but did not feature due to a niggle. Zubimendi picked up a knee issue after the game. Both players were spotted with the group.

Luka Susic was sidelined for the heavy loss to the Blaugrana due to injury. The summer signing was training at the Zubieta Facilities today.

The news is definitely a blow for United ahead of a crucial European tie between the clubs.

United have had a mixed record against Spanish opposition over the years. They have faced Sociedad four times since 2021, winning on a couple of occasions.

A strong start with a goal is required to unsettle the La Liga outfit, who are having a bad league season. They are ninth in the standings with just 34 points.

In Maguire’s absence, Victor Lindelof or Noussair Mazraoui could partner Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro in the heart of the defence against Sociedad.

Patrick Dorgu is only suspended domestically. He could be drafted straight into the left wing-back role.

United could bank on Casemiro’s experience in the number six position. Toby Collyer has returned to training after injury and could feature off the bench.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.