Manchester United Hit with Fresh injury blow as Key Players Ruled Out of Europa League Final Against Spurs

Manchester United has encountered a major setback ahead of their crucial Europa League final match against Tottenham Hotspur, with two key defenders, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez, ruled out of tonight’s match in Bilbao.

Although United fans were relieved by the surprising return of Joshua Zirkzee, Diogo Dalot, and Leny Yoro to the squad, head coach Ruben Amorim revealed that de Ligt and Martinez will miss the season-defining match.

Matthijs de Ligt, who joined the club in January, made the trip to Bilbao with the rest of the team, sparkking hope that he could be involved in some capacity. However, Amorim quickly shut down any such expectations during his pre-match press conference.

“Matthijs is with us to support the team, but he is not fit to play. That’s a decision we had to make for the long-term benefit of the player,” the United boss explained.

De Ligt has been managing a lingering fitness issue, and despite his presence in Spain, Amorim made it clear the defender is not part of the matchday plans.

Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez has not recovered in time after a season disruptted by injuries. The Argentine centre-back last featured several weeks ago and has not been able to train with the full squad consistently.

Martinez’s absence will be particularly felt as United face a powerful Spurs attack. KKnown for his aggression and ball-playing ability, the Argentine has been a vital part of United’s defensive structure when fit.

With both Martinez and de Ligt unavailable, Amorim will be forced to reshuffle his defensive options once again. Harry Maguire is likely to start, possibly alongside teenager Leny Yoro, who returns just in time after a brief injury scare. Victor Lindelöf could also be considered depending on match fitness and tactical preference.

Despite the injury setbacks, Amorims remains focused on the players available, praising those who pushed through to be part of the squad.

“They recovered quite well. They pushed. Of course we respect the feeling of the player, but we pushed a little bit because they wanted to be part of the team and that is a very, very good sign,” Amorim said about those returning.

But with two of his most reliable defenders out, Amorim knows the challenge has grown tougher against a Tottenham side also fighting for trowphy and a place in the Champions League.

The abbsence of de Ligt and Martinez adds more pressure on United’s backline at the worst possible time. While their attacking options have been boosted, the defensive gaps could be exposed in a game where every moment matters.