Manchester United and Newcastle injury latest and team news ahead of Carabao Cup final
Manchester United have a chance to pick up their first silverware since 2017 this weekend when they take on Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
It is United’s first domestic final since losing the 2018 FA Cup final to Chelsea, after going distance in the 2021 Europa League defeat by Villarreal. Meanwhile, Newcastle are in their first final since 1999, having not won a trophy since 1969.
For the first time in 30 years, there will be safe sections in a major domestic final, with areas for both groups of fans behind each goal. Around 86,000 fans of both clubs are expected, excluding company and staff seating.
CONTINUE READING: The United squad against Newcastle includes Rashford
Manchester United team news
Marcus Rashford has traveled to London with the United squad as his fitness is unclear. The attacker escaped with an apparent smack to the ankle in the Europa League win against Barcelona late on Thursday.
On Friday, Erik ten Hag said he did not know the extent of the problem as he awaited the players’ arrival at Carrington. Meanwhile, Anthony Martial is ruled out of the competition after missing the last seven games with a hip injury. The long-term injured Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are also not available.
Newcastle team news
The Magpies will be without the suspended Nick Pope following his red card against Liverpool last weekend. Loris Karius is expected to join second-choice Martin Dubravka, who is drawing in the cup having played for United in earlier rounds.
Meanwhile, Joelinton, Matt Targett and Callum Wilson are all expected to be available for selection following recent injury concerns, while Joe Willock could return to the squad. Emil Krafth is out with a long-term knee injury while Bruno Guimaraes returns just in time from suspension after being sent off in the semi-finals.
key figures
The opportunity to face 24-goal Rashford despite not being fully fit will boost Newcastle’s confidence. However, their midfielders will need to be creative to overcome the block from Casemiro, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
Guimaraes is a formidable threat in the middle of the park while United’s defense has to cope with Kieran Tripper’s precise balls. Joelinton has been a headache for many Premier League teams this season, while an in-form Callum Wilson would have to be considered.
However, Newcastle will regret Pope’s absence as Karius is set to make his club debut in Newcastle’s biggest game in a generation.
Current shape
Manchester United travel to Wembley after a momentous win over Barcelona, who have lost just once in their last 20 games. Newcastle, meanwhile, are experiencing a slump in form.
They are without a win in three games and lost to Liverpool last time out, consequently falling out of the top four. They have not scored three goals in a single game since Boxing Day, while United have hit that mark seven times in the meantime.
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