International roundup: Only five Manchester United stars in action after five withdraw due to injury!

The international break is back and only five Manchester United stars will be involved. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad has been plagued with injury and many who were called up have returned to Carrington for treatment.

Originally, 10 United players were selected by their respective national sides for the upcoming international fixtures. Some were due to play friendlies, whereas the European teams get their qualifying underway for the European Championships in a years time.

However, since the initial squads being announced, five of United’s biggest names have dropped out. Romelu Lukaku, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw and Nemanja Matic will play no part in this week’s fixtures due to injury.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad was already ridden with knocks and niggles but it seems he now has a crisis on his hands if a number of them don’t return for the visit of Watford a week Saturday.

International fixture roundup

Last night Scott McTominay got the ball rolling for Manchester United’s international fixtures as Scotland took on Kazakhstan in their opening Group I match of the Euro 2020 qualifiers. McTominay started on the bench for Alex McLeish’s side who slipped to an early 2-0 deficit.

Scotland then conceded a third shortly after the restart and when McTominay was eventually brought on in the 70th minute, the game was already a lost cause.

Romelu Lukaku‘s Belgium beat Russia 3-1, without their injured record goalscorer. Former-United winger Adnan Januzaj was an unused substitute for Roberto Martinez’ men.

England take on Czech Republic tonight as they look to continue their good form from the UEFA Nations League into the Euro qualifiers. Both Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw withdrew from the squad over the last couple of days, Jesse Lingard missed out on selection as he gets back to full fitness.

Antonio Valencia completed his first full 90 minutes yesterday since January the 2nd for Ecuador against the USA. Unfortunately, the United skipper came out on the losing side, 1-0.

Paul Pogba could feature for France tonight as Les Bleus travel to Moldova in their first Euro 2020 qualifier. Pogba has caused some controversy whilst away with his national team claiming a move to Real Madrid would be a “dream” for him, also suggesting he would like to link up with French manager Zinedine Zidane.

On Saturday, Eric Bailly could feature for Ivory Coast who take on Rwanda in the last of their African Cup of Nations group matches. The Elephants sit second in Group H and with a superior goal difference to third place Central African Republic, it is likely whatever the result they will advance to the finals.

David De Gea concludes the first round of fixtures involving our international reds as Spain host Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s native, Norway. Spain will be hoping to bounce back after a disappointing Nations League campaign by starting strong in the European Championship qualifiers.