Anthony Martial and Phil Jones are not part of the travelling 26-man team to Gdansk, while there's no clarity on Harry Maguire's availability.
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Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has provided an update on the squad for Wednesday’s Europa League final against Villarreal. A 26-man squad travelled to Gdansk on Monday. The notable absentee from the squad was Anthony Martial, who was unable to recover from his injury. Phil Jones is also sidelined owing to a knee problem. The real question mark, however, was about the inclusion of skipper Harry Maguire.
He had picked up an ankle injury a few weeks ago at Aston Villa and has not played since. Earlier, Ole said that he will give Maguire as long as possible to prove his fitness in time for the clash. The defender has still not been ruled out of the big final. “We’ve prepared well. Anthony didn’t make it, Phil didn’t make it, of course, and Harry is just going to jog up and down the sidelines [in training],” said the manager. “I reckon he’ll try to join in a bit. Apart from that, we’re looking quite good.”
Ole also spoke about the difficulty in leaving players out of the starting XI. “It’s always difficult to leave players out throughout the whole season,” he explained. “A final is a reward for what’s been done in the whole season then, if there’s a doubt between a couple, it’s the form in the latter stages, of course. We’ll enjoy the last session and the players will get the team tomorrow [Wednesday].”
On Wednesday night, Solskjaer will have to make many tough calls. It starts from the goalkeeper position, with both David De Gea and Dean Henderson competing for the gloves for most of the season. They both have done a commendable job whenever given an opportunity to perform.
Mason Greenwood’s fine form of late might keep him in contention as well. It will also be interesting to see what formation Ole puts forward for the final. “I’ll tell the team, especially the subs that are not starting, you may have to play a big part for us,” he added.
“As it’s happened before. Be disappointed, be angry with me but be ready when you come on. Whoever starts, make sure you enjoy it because you don’t play too many finals in your life.”
On the other hand, Villarreal have had doubts over Samuel Chukwueze playing in Poland. Question mark is lingering over the availability of on-loan Tottenham Hotspur defender Juan Foyth. Etienne Capoue is back from suspension but there is no Vicente Iborra.
