Erik ten Hag confirms return of two key players from injury for trip to Galatasaray
- Man Utd could welcome back Rasmus Hojlund and Antony against Galatasaray
- Both named in travelling party for Wednesday's Champions League encounter
- Red Devils will be knocked out if they lose in Istanbul
By Sean Walsh
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has revealed that Rasmus Hojlund and Antony could make their returns from respective injuries in Wednesday's crunch Champions League clash with Galatasaray.
The Red Devils have gone through the 2023/24 season so far having to contend with various injury woes, with striker Hojlund and winger Antony two of Ten Hag's players who have been on the treatment table of late.
Hojlund has been nursing a hamstring strain which ruled him out of Denmark duty for the November internationals, while Antony recently picked up a knock. Both sat out Sunday's 3-0 win at Everton.
But ahead of this week's crucial Champions League trip to Galatasaray, Hojlund and Antony were spotted back in first-team training, and Ten Hag confirmed at his pre-match press conference they are in his 22-player travelling party heading to Istanbul.
When asked about the duo's availability, Ten Hag simply replied: "They are in the squad."
After impressing in the weekend victory at Everton, 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo is in line for another start. Ten Hag quickly sought to play down any issues the teenager could have playing in front of a hostile atmosphere.
"We don't have fear. If players are good enough, then they are old enough," he added.
United will be eliminated from the Champions League at the group stage if they lose to Galatasaray on Wednesday as the Turkish giants would open up a four-point gap with just one matchday remaining. Should United be defeated and Copenhagen beat Bayern Munich, they will be dumped out of Europe altogether.
Ten Hag's side have picked up three points from their opening four matches, compared to the four points of Galatasaray and Copenhagen and 12 of Bayern, who visit Old Trafford in December.
Man Utd travelling squad to face Galatasaray
Goalkeepers: Altay Bayindir, Tom Heaton, Andre Onana
Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Sergio Reguilon, Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Midfielders: Sofyan Amrabat, Bruno Fernandes, Dan Gore, Hannibal, Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay
Forwards: Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Joe Hugill, Anthony Martial, Facundo Pellistri
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