Manchester United dealt injury blow as key player ruled out of FA Cup final
By Sachin Bhat
Manchester United are looking to complete a cup double this weekend by lifting the FA Cup trophy but have now been dealt a massive injury blow as Anthony Martial is ruled out.
The Red Devils face city rivals Manchester City in the Wembley showpiece on Saturday, 3rd June, looking to add another medal after winning the Carabao Cup in February.
City, however, have a treble agenda of their own. With the Premier League wrapped up, the Sky Blues are aiming to swoop the FA Cup and Champions League too.
However, both teams are dealing with injury concerns right now.
Pep Guardiola is doubtful of four first-team players for the finals while Manchester United will also be without a key figure in attack.
Manchester United Injury News – Anthony Martial ruled out of FA Cup final
Anthony Martial is confirmed to miss the FA Cup final on Saturday with an injury. The Frenchman strained his hamstring on the final day of their Premier League season against Fulham and will now have to watch the Wembley showpiece from the stands.
The 27-year-old has started Manchester United’s recent games as the striker, but was left on the bench for the Fulham clash as Erik ten Hag had one eye on the cup final. Martial came off the bench with only 23 minutes remaining as the Red Devils prevailed 2-1 at Old Trafford.
He was supposed to lead the side out against City next weekend but has now been sidelined from the all-important encounter with a hamstring problem. On Tuesday evening, Manchester United put out a statement on the player, saying (via Mirror):
"“Anthony Martial is out of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City due to injury. The France international strained his hamstring towards the end of Sunday’s 2-1 win against Fulham at Old Trafford. Assessments have since revealed a muscle tear that rules the 27-year-old out of the Wembley showdown.”"
This is Martial’s sixth injury this season alone, and perhaps the most devastating one too as Ten Hag will now have to play Wout Weghorst in the attack. On loan from Burnley, the Dutchman has failed to impress in Manchester United colors so far, failing to net a single goal in the Premier League from 17 appearances.
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