Manchester United to Lack Seven Stars for Crucial Europa League Match vs Lyon as Zirkzee Suffers New Setback

Manchester United face a potential serious injury crisis in the build-up to their crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg match against Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday, with as many as seven first-team stars poised to miss the match.

The Reds are now level with the French club at 2-2 on aggregate, following a thrilling first leg at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. United were brought back level after two costly errors by goalkeeper Andre Onana allowed Lyon to fight their way back into the tie.

Joshua Zirkzee Injury Blow

One of the biggest concerns for United manager Ruben Amorim is the non-availability of Joshua Zirkzee, one of United's goal-scorers in the first leg. The Dutch striker was replaced during Sunday's 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United after incurring a thigh injury. During his post-match interview, Amorim assured that Zirkzee is \"unlikely to feature against" Lyon, a big setback to United's striking resources.

The loss of Zirkzee leaves an attacking void, especially considering his recent form and dynamic with forwards like Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.

Complete Injury List: Seven Players Absent

Apart from Zirkzee, United will also be missing:

• Matthijs de Ligt – The Dutch defender is still out following a muscle injury.
• Tobias Collyer – The young midfielder is still out with a knock and not expected to return this week.
• Ayden Heaven – The academy youngster is still doing his rehab and won't be ready in time.
• Amad Diallo – The winger is still on the road to full recovery after suffering an injury earlier in the season.
• Lisandro Martinez – The Argentine centre-back has been unavailable since February after an ACL injury and is unlikely to return prior to the final whistle this season.
• Jonny Evans – The veteran defender has not appeared in a game since December and is still a doubt for the remainder of the season.

This growing list of injuries severely limits Amorim's tactical flexibility and rotation options in the team, particularly at defense and attack, with first-team and youth players taking up crucial gaps in recent games.

Defensive Woes and Suspension Risks

To the troubles is also United's unevenness at the back. Onana's performances have been queried after expensive errors and the absence of dependable centre-backs like Martinez and Evans could force Amorim to go back to a stop-gap defence.

Also waiting in the wings are suspension threats. Several players are one yellow card away from being excluded from a potential semi-final, should United advance. Maintaining the discipline will be as crucial as the tactical application for this do-or-die match.

United Fans Hope for Home Advantage

Despite the loss of players to injury, United will be looking to their home fans to rally behind the side. The fans at Old Trafford are expected to turn out in numbers and provide a huge injection in an otherwise evenly-balanced tie.

With a spot in the last four hanging in the balance, Amorim must have his weakened side clicking for what is effectively their season-defining game to date.

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