1 hour ago
5
Chelsea take on Manchester United at the weekend and Michael Carrick is set to be without two key defenders for the trip to Stamford Bridge
Michael Carrick is set to be without two of his key defenders for Manchester United's trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
Chelsea welcome United to SW6 in a huge match for the Blues, who cannot afford to lose any more ground on Liverpool in their bid for Champions League qualification. Liam Rosenior's side have lost five of their last six matches in all competitions but have been boosted by suspensions to Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
Maguire was shown a straight red card in the Red Devils' draw away at Bournemouth before the international break, earning him a one-match suspension. The England international is being given an additional one-game ban after the FA ruled he swore at fourth official Matt Donohue following his dismissal, according to a report from The Athletic.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
The FA charged Maguire on April 1, releasing this statement: "It is alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the fourth official following his dismissal."
Carrick will also be without Martinez following the Argentine defender's straight red card in Monday evening's defeat to Leeds United at Old Trafford. Martinez was sent off for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair after Paul Tierney consulted the VAR screen.
Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Carrick was furious with the decision to dismiss Martinez: "It's not a pull, it's not a tug, it's not aggressive, he touches it and gets sent off. Worst of all is he was sent to overturn it as a clear and obvious error. It's shocking.
"He's off-balance because of that, he half touches the back of his hair which pulls the bobble out and leads it to look like - I don't even know what it looks like. That's two games in a row we've had those decisions go against us, but that one was one of the worst I've seen."
United have appealed Martinez's red card. If the appeal is unsuccessful, Carrick will have only Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven as natural centre-back options for the trip to west London, with Matthijs de Ligt still missing because of a back injury.
Choose Football London as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.
English (US) ·