Manchester United’s Martinez and Rashford miss training before Como trip

Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford missed training at Carrington on Tuesday, 20 October, before Wednesday’s Champions League match away to Como. They were among eight absentees, leaving United with questions over their options, particularly in defence, for the trip to Italy.

Martinez was forced off at half-time against Leeds United on Sunday with a thigh complaint, according to DPA and the Daily Mirror. The Mirror described him as a doubt for Como; his availability for the match has not been confirmed. Rashford was an unused substitute at Leeds. United said on Tuesday that he was ‘managing an injury issue’, DPA reported. The Mirror described it as a hip injury, but United’s comment did not specify a diagnosis.

Manchester United’s defensive options for Como

The Daily Mirror reported that Harry Maguire was the only senior centre-back involved in the Carrington session. Leny Yoro was also absent and is suspended for Wednesday’s match following a red card against Atletico Madrid. Matthijs de Ligt has returned to training after back surgery but has yet to play since the operation, according to DPA. Those absences leave United’s defensive selection unsettled ahead of Como.

United seek a first win in seven matches

Sunday’s Premier League draw at Leeds extended United’s winless run to six matches, DPA reported. That sequence includes last week’s Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid, which the Mirror said ended 2-0. The match at Como gives United another chance to end that run, with the availability of Martinez and Rashford still uncertain after their absence from Tuesday’s session.