Man Utd injury crisis worsens as Sabitzer pulls out before Forest game

The Red Devils’ season suffered an almighty blow in midweek, losing first-choice centre-back pairing Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez against Sevilla in the Europa League.

Varane is set for ‘a few weeks’ on the sidelines, while Martinez will miss the remainder of the campaign after fracturing his metatarsal.

And Sabitzer has reportedly been dealt a groin problem, adding to Ten Hag’s woes that have combined to create a crisis at Old Trafford.

After the in-form 29-year-old went down the tunnel in conversation with a United staff member, Eriksen and Fred started more vigorous warm-ups in preparation for potential call-ups.

The former then spoke to assistant Mitchell van der Gaag and technical director Darren Fletcher when it became apparent he was the replacement.

In response to his late blow, the Dutchman handed Eriksen his first start since returning from a long-term injury absence of his own.

Young goalkeeper Nathan Bishop travelled as United’s 21st man and was added to the visitors’ bench, joining Jack Butland.

Sabitzer, Varane and Martinez only make up a cluster of Ten Hag’s current injury problems at a crucial stage of his first season in England.

Tom Heaton, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford also missed the Forest game through injury.

United’s battle for a top-four spot isn’t the only thing on their plate in the closing stages of the campaign.