Erik ten Hag shares update on Anthony Martial ahead of Carabao Cup final vs Newcastle

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Newcastle United take on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, but the Red Devils will be without Anthony Martial at Wembley.

That is according to Man United manager Erik ten Hag, who has confirmed that Martial will not be involved in this weekend’s final.

The Frenchman is currently out of action with a hip injury, and has not played for the Red Devils since they beat Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup semi final second leg on February 1st.

Martial scored one of the goals that helped setup a final with Newcastle, but he will not be involved.

Anthony Martial to miss Carabao Cup final, but no news on Marcus Rashford

Ahead of Sunday’s game, Ten Hag spoke to the media and provided an injury update. He was asked if Martial will be available for the cup final.

“No, he [Martial] will not be available,” Ten Hag said.

That is a blow for Man United, who will likely start with Wout Weghorst at Wembley. Alternatively, they could play Marcus Rashford through the middle, but that will depend on his fitness.

The in-form forward caused a stir after Thursday night’s Europa League win against Barcelona. He posted a picture to his Instagram story that suggested he was struggling with injury ahead of the final.

On Rashford’s fitness, Ten Hag said: “I don’t know. Players are now coming in [to Carrington], we have to do investigations, medical [checks]. Straight after a game you can’t say, you have to wait for medical [checks].”

This game could hinge on whether or not Rashford is fit. He has been outrageously good since the World Cup, and has 24 goals and nine assists in all competitions this season.

He is on a red hot streak, and is Man United’s major threat. Eddie Howe will have a plan to deal with him, but it remains to be seen if he is actually available to play.

It feels likely that he will be involved. But one man who won’t be is Martial. A hip injury rules him out of the Wembley final, meaning he won’t feature against the team he turned down last year.