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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Luke Shaw, Marcel Sabitzer, Antony - Manchester United injury latest ahead of Fulham fixture

Manchester United will be looking to wrap up third place when they face Fulham on the final day of the Premier League season at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

United, who have beaten the Cottagers twice already this season, wrapped up a top four finish and bagged themselves Champions League qualification for next season with a 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday evening. United went into the game needing just a point to get themselves over the line, but goals from Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford ensured they got the job done with all three.

It means the Reds are in pole position to pip Newcastle United to third place ahead of the final day. They are currently two points ahead of the Magpies, who travel to Chelsea, but do need a win to guarantee they finish the day where they will start it, such is Newcastle's superior goal difference.

READ MORE: United considering other striker targets amid Spurs' stance on Harry Kane

United, however, could have a different look about themselves if boss Erik ten Hag decides to shift much of his focus to next Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. He could decide to make a collection of changes to his starting line-up, though that has not been his style at any point this season.

As well as that, he will also have to factor in the fitness levels of some members of his squad. With that said, MEN Sport has taken a close look at the situation on the injury front.

Antony

The Brazilian is now United's biggest injury concern ahead of the FA Cup final next weekend. Though it was too soon for Ten Hag to offer a full diagnosis in the immediate aftermath of the win over Chelsea, the Dutchman did confirmed that it was "serious."

Antony was carried off on a stretcher just before the half-hour mark after being on the receiving end of a fair challenge by Chelsea ace Trevoh Chalobah. He was in instant discomfort and look distressed as medics attended to him on the pitch.

Asked about the extent of the injury, Ten Hag said: "I don't know. Everyone has seen he came off. I can tell you that it's serious but we have to wait a minimum 24 hours and then we know probably more about the status of his injury."

Possible return date: Unknown.

Luke Shaw

Like Antony, Shaw was also withdrawn against Chelsea. He failed to reappear for the start of the second half and was replaced by Tyrell Malacia at the interval.

Uncertainty surrounds Luke Shaw's availability ahead of the clash with Fulham. (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images.)

He was forced off with a back problem and Ten Hag could not confirm the severity of the problem at the time of his chat with the media on Thursday evening. It is hoped, though, that it is nothing too serious.

Possible return date: Unknown.

Marcel Sabitzer

Unless United choose to turn his loan move into a permanent one this summer, the supporters have seen the last of Sabitzer in a United shirt. He has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a meniscal injury.

The 29-year-old was ruled out of the win over Wolves almost a fortnight ago and further tests confirmed the extent of his injury. It means United cannot afford any other injuries in central-midfield ahead of the FA Cup final next week.

Possible return date: Pre-season.

Donny van de Beek

Midfielder Van de Beek, despite making good progress in his recovery, will play no part in United's last two matches. He has been sidelined since January because of a serious knee problem and was never expected to play again this season.

Issuing an update on his recovery at the very end of last month, the Dutchman said: "I am busy recovering from my injury and everything is going well. It is hard to give you a time [on a return date], we just need to see how everything goes.

Donny van de Beek has been out since January. (Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images.)

"I am, for now, doing a lot of gym work. But I am getting closer to being on the pitch so that is a positive. I am not far away."

Possible return date: Pre-season.

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez, like both Sabitzer and Van de Beek, will not play for United again this season. He will miss the last two matches after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot during the 2-2 draw with Sevilla at Old Trafford last month.

He has since undergone surgery and he will be hoping to be back in time for the beginning of pre-season. With him already out of the FA Cup final, it could mean Ten Hag will take no risks with Raphael Varane against Fulham.

Possible return date: Pre-season.

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