Man United given boost with Nabil Fekir set to miss the rest of the season
Manchester United have been given a boost ahead of their Europa League clash against Real Betis, with Nabil Fekir having been ruled out for the rest of the season due to anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Fekir, one of Betis’ key players, suffered the injury during his side’s victory against Elche.
As a consequence, the 29-year-old won’t be involved against United during the round of 16 tie and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The first leg will take place at Old Trafford on March 9, with the return fixture at Betis to be staged a week later.
Erik ten Hag’s side are eager for further silverware after beating Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final last weekend.
Before they can turn their attention to the clash against Betis, Manchester United are in action at home to West Ham on Wednesday in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
In the Europa League, United finished in second place in Group E behind Real Sociedad, which meant that they had to participate in the play-off round.
Following a 2-2 draw away to Barcelona in the first leg, ten Hag’s side won 2-1 in the second leg.
Getting past Betis, who were unbeaten in the group stages as they finished above Roma, certainly won’t be an easy task for United.
However, the absence of Fekir will boost their chances. The midfielder has two goals in three Europa League appearances this season.
United have won the Europa League once previously, with that triumph coming under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
