What's happened
Manchester United's defensive line faces a crisis as key players like Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are ruled out with muscle injuries, while Liverpool's Andy Robertson is expected to return soon from an ankle injury.
Why it matters
The injury setbacks for Manchester United and Liverpool could impact their performance in crucial upcoming matches, potentially affecting their league standings and cup competitions. Erik ten Hag's management of United's defensive crisis will be closely watched to see how it impacts the team's results and future prospects.
What the papers say
The Independent reports on Erik ten Hag's views on United's injury crisis, while The Guardian provides details on the defensive setbacks faced by Manchester United. The contrasting reports offer insights into the challenges faced by the clubs and the potential implications for their seasons.
How we got here
Manchester United and Liverpool have been dealing with injury concerns throughout the season, with key players facing spells on the sidelines. The physical demands of top-level football and international commitments have contributed to the teams' injury woes, impacting their squad depth and defensive stability.
Common question
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Manchester United Football Club is a professional football club based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, that competes in the Premier League, the top flight of English football.
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Erik ten Hag is a Dutch professional football manager and former player. He is currently the manager at Ajax.
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Victor Jörgen Nilsson Lindelöf is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a defender for English Premier League club Manchester United and the Sweden national team. Mainly a centre-back, he can also play as a right-back.
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Lisandro Martínez is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Eredivisie club Ajax and the Argentina national team.
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Raphaël Xavier Varane is a French professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Spanish club Real Madrid and the France national team.