Manchester United defender Paddy McNair has suffered an abdominal injury and he is doubtful for Saturday’s trip to Everton.
The 20-year-old defender suffered the injury whilst on Northern Ireland duty. He was injured in the 13th minute during Northern Ireland’s 1-1 draw against Finland on Sunday, but continued till the 51st minute before being replaced.
According to reports from The Mirror, the young defender spent the Sunday night in hospital and will remain in the Finnish capital for another night as a precautionary measure.
McNair could likely to miss Saturday’s trip to Goodison Park, but his absence will hardly make any difference to United’s preparation ahead of the match. He has made only one substitute appearance for United this season, and wouldn’t have featured in the starting XI against Everton.
United are already without Luke Shaw, who has been ruled out for the entire year, while there are doubts over the fitness of Argentine defender Marcos Rojo as well.
Louis van Gaal has plenty of options in defence for the trip to Merseyside. Daley Blind, who has played in the centre back role recently, could start as left back allowing Phil Jones to partner Chris Smalling at the heart of defence.
Alternatively, Matteo Darmian, who scored for Italy during the International break, may continue as a make-shift left back. Likewise, Antonio Valencia also impressed for Ecuador during the Euro qualifiers and he could fill the right-back slot if required.
Victor Valdes to Newcastle?
The former Barcelona goalkeeper has fallen out of favour of manager Louis van Gaal and doesn’t hold a long-term future at Old Trafford.
According to reports, Valdes is wanted by several Premier League clubs like Newcastle United, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Newcastle’s first choice goalkeeper Tim Krul was ruled out for rest of the season with a serious knee injury. Steve McClaren is actively trying to find a suitable cover, and it appears that Valdes could be the man for the Magpies.
According to ESPN, the only problem stopping a potential deal is Louis van Gaal’s reluctance to terminate Valdes’ contract if the Spaniard wishes to leave for a domestic rival club.
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