Man Utd injuries latest: Three key defenders absent for training as team prepare for final

Manchester United’s preparations for the Europa League final have taken a worrying turn as Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Ayden Heaven were absent from Tuesday’s open training session at Carrington.

With the final against Tottenham Hotspur just days away, the potential unavailability of this trio raises significant concerns for manager Ruben Amorim.

The most serious issue appears to be with Leny Yoro, the 19-year-old French centre-back who limped off during United’s recent 2-0 loss to West Ham.

Having previously undergone foot surgery this season, his recurrence of pain in the same area is a major red flag.

Yoro left the pitch visibly emotional at the London Stadium, and although the club has yet to issue a formal injury update, insiders suggest he’s in a race against time to be fit for May 21.

Alongside Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt also missed training due to a knock sustained in the chaotic 4-3 loss to Brentford.

While the Dutch defender has been patchy since joining from Bayern Munich, he’s one of the few available centre-backs with experience in major finals — something Amorim may sorely miss.

Adding to the defensive woes, Ayden Heaven, who had been tipped to play a rotational role in the final, was also missing. The club has not disclosed the reason for his absence, but his involvement now appears doubtful.

With Lisandro Martínez and Victor Lindelöf already ruled out, and Jonny Evans nearing the end of his career, United’s defensive options are thin. If both Yoro and De Ligt fail to recover in time, Amorim may have to rely on an untested backline against one of the most lethal attacks in the Premier League.

Amorim has downplayed the concerns in public, but privately, the club is said to be preparing contingency plans — including the possible use of a midfield player in a defensive role if required, reported the Independent.

The stakes couldn’t be higher. With Champions League qualification and a major European trophy on the line, United will be desperate to get at least one of their defensive trio fit in time.