Man Utd dealt huge injury blow ahead of Arsenal clash as Erik ten Hag battles depth problem

Manchester United have confirmed a key injury blow ahead of their clash with Arsenal this weekend.

The Gunners are back in action on Sunday when they take on likely top four rivals United at the Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta’s men were dealt their first setback of the Premier League campaign last weekend, drawing with London rivals Fulham after conceding a late equaliser. A big response will be expected, and United know all about big responses.

Erik ten Hag’s men followed up a defeat to Tottenham by going 2-0 down at home to Nottingham Forest last weekend, but they stepped up to pull off a comeback, winning 3-2.

Though, the win came at a cost, with star defender Raphael Varane suffering an injury, and he was forced off. Varane is now set to miss weeks of action, starting with this weekend’s clash with Arsenal.

The international break could help limit the amount of games Varane will miss, but he certainly won’t be back in time for this weekend. Crucially, United have now been left with just three senior central defenders between Lisandro Martinez, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire.

United could move to sign a centre-back before Friday’s deadline, and indeed before this weekend’s clash with Arsenal, but it doesn’t look good for the Red Devils as things stand, with Ten Hag extremely limited in his defensive options.

Arsenal have injury issues of their own, particularly with Jurrien Timber ruled out for months and with Takehiro Tomiyasu suspended, but Arteta has the luxury of having significantly more depth than what United have currently.