Marcel Sabitzer was ruled out of Manchester United's clash at Nottingham Forest after picking up a groin injury in the warm up.
Erik ten Hag had already been forced into a number of changes at the City Ground as United’s relentless fixture schedule continues to take its toll. And it was only worsened in the minutes before kick off after Sabitzer was taken out of the starting lineup and replaced by Christian Eriksen.
United were already wrestling with a number of key absentees following the damaging Europa League draw with Sevilla in midweek. Both Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane picked up worrying injuries, with the former now set to miss of the rest of the campaign.
Marcus Rashford is also out with an injury and is due to miss a few more games before he returns. Ten Hag's teamsheet also confirmed the absences of left backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, leaving Diogo Dalot playing on the opposite flank to usual.
The presence of club captain Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in the centre of defence means that United have just one of their recognised back four in the starting XI.
"They have the rhythm, play together often and have the experience. They have to show they are in this team. I have four really good centre halves, now it is up to them," Ten Hag said of his central defensive pairing before the game.
"We are in the position we want to be in, not many clubs in Europe are still fighting for three trophies. The title is gone but (reaching) the Champions League is the aim and also a trophy."
He added: “Points get more expensive and you have to fight for it like against Brentford and Everton. We were maybe only good for 55 minutes v Sevilla and then you get hammered. We have to act as machines.
“For us every game is big - FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Europa League, every game. That is the approach, he (Martial) is happy he is on the pitch. We need all 11 players with a performance, a team performance and when we do that we have a good chance to win the game."
Sabitzer's injury specifically, comes at the worst possible time for United, coming off the back of his most encouraging performance in a United shirt. The Austrian, who signed on loan in January, scored a brace against Sevilla and looked to be filling the void left by Rashford's absence.
The England international has now missed the last two games after suffering a groin strain against Everton. United officially offered a concerning prognosis that he could be out for several games, but Ten Hag has hinted he could yet return for the second leg in Andalusia on Thursday.
