Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Luke Shaw will not travel to Wembley for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Chelsea.
Shaw was forced off in United’s 2-2 draw with Southampton on Monday with an ankle injury and then missed the 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace three days later.
Brendan Williams was also forced into Southampton’s draw, as United were forced to play the final few minutes with ten men /Poll/Getty Images
Replacement left-back on the night, Brendan Williams, meanwhile, was also brought on against Saints after clashing heads with Kyle Walker-Peters and also missed the visit to Selhurst Park.
And Solskjaer confirmed that Shaw will miss Sunday’s semi-final but is more optimistic that Williams will recover in time for a possible start. Timothy Fosu-Mensah, however, has filled in fully amid the pair’s absence and will certainly be considered for back-to-back starts against the Blues.
Speaking to United’s official website, Solskjaer said: “Luke will be out. “I can’t see him recovering. Brandon will hopefully be fine, he will try to join training today with his eyes open. We’ll see if he can see the ball when it comes in! It should be fine.”
The Red Devils have enjoyed excellent form since the restart, winning six of their eight, and Michael Obafemi’s late equalizer on Monday night saw them beat Palace midweek and go top. managed to keep their hopes of making the top four alive. alive
However, with the Chelsea clash being their third in six days, rotation will certainly be considered by the Norwegian boss.
Odion Ighalo has rarely been given a chance since the restart, but could be back in the starting XI on Sunday / Poll / Getty Images
“We haven’t seen many of them. [the players] Because we are just coming for a training session,” he said.
“But I’d rather have this game than not have it. We can’t say that [the scheduling] There’s been abuse, that’s what it is and, when you get a chance to play a semi-final, you’ll squeeze it, even if you have to play on the same day.”
Sergio Romero and Odin Ighalo could return to the starting XI on Sunday, while Solskjaer also confirmed there is a “good chance” Jesse Lingard could be included after the midfielder came off the bench against the Eagles.