Due to a suspension, Lisandro Martinez will miss Manchester United’s Europa League knockout play-off first leg against Barcelona this week..
The defender received three yellow cards during the group stages and will therefore miss the first leg on Wednesday. He will be available for the return to Old Trafford next week.
According to UEFA rules, those with three yellow cards will be suspended again after the group stage for every odd number of bookings – fifth, seventh, and so on. After the quarter-final stage, yellow cards are removed.
Cautions apply to all UEFA competitions, so January arrival Marcel Sabitzer is also barred from traveling to Spain. In Bayern Munich’s Champions League group stage matches, the 28-year-old received three yellow cards..
United midfielder Casemiro is available despite serving a three-game Premier League suspension for violent conduct against Crystal Palace. Domestic suspensions do not transfer to European competition.
In Martinez’s absence, Luke Shaw, who started in the 2-0 league win over Leeds on Sunday, could continue at left-sided center back. Anthony Martial and Antony are expected to miss the match due to injuries, while Scott McTominay is also a doubt. Due to long-term injuries, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek will not travel.
Barcelona will be without Sergio Busquets due to a ligament injury, and Ousmane Dembele is also questionable..
United were drawn in the play-off round against Barcelona after finishing second in their Europa League group, while the Spanish giants were eliminated after finishing third in their Champions League group..
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