MANCHESTER UNITED face Barcelona in a challenging Europa League contest – and Marcel Sabitzer is unavailable for the first leg.
The Red Devils have been paired with Champions League drop-outs Barca after failing to top Group E.
GettyMarcel Sabitzer is unavailable for United’s clash vs Barcelona[/caption]
And Erik Ten Hag will be delighted that his side are going in to this match off the back of some good form.
However, the United boss’ midfield crisis continues as Sabitzer is OUT of contention along with Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek.
Why can’t Sabitzer play against Barcelona?
Before the Austrian transferred to the Red Devils, he played for Bayern Munich during the Champions League group stage.
GettySabitzer picked up a suspension while playing for Bayern Munich[/caption]
Sabitzer played in all of Bayern Munich’s Champions League games and helped them achieve first place in the group.
However, during these six games, Sabitzer received THREE yellow cards against Barcelona, Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen.
Under UEFA rules, Sabitzer must now miss United’s game against Barcelona due to suspension for too many yellow cards, leaving Ten Hag with scarce midfield options.