Man Utd in defensive injury crisis ahead of Premier League return with just ONE fit first-team centre-back

ERIK TEN HAG is set for a selection headache as Manchester United are in the middle of a defensive injury crisis.

Victor Lindelof is the club's only fit centre-back as he played alongside midfielder Casemiro in the Carabao Cup win .

Harry Maguire was not in the squad and defenders Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are still on a break after making it to the World Cup final.

Martinez has been back in his homeland of Argentina celebrating his World Cup win alongside his national team-mates.

Varane went down in the final in Qatar, but it has been put down to fatigue rather than a more serious injury.

The Red Devils boss confirmed that Maguire missed out on the match against the Clarets due to illness.

Before the game, he said: "Harry is sick. I don’t know how that develops".

This leaves Lindelof as the only fit centre-back at the club, although he has been used sparingly Ten Hag this season.

The Swede has only played five times in the Premier League, as Martinez and Varane have been his preferred options.

Another option Ten Hag has is to give Axel Tuanzebe a chance as he has been back in training.

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The defender spent last season on loan with Aston Villa and Napoli.

But this campaign the 25-year-old had been injured but his return to fitness during the break for the World Cup could had Ten Hag a timely boost.

The Dutchman will also be hoping that Maguire is able to overcome his illness in time for their return to Premier League action.

The Red Devils take on Nottingham Forest on December 27 at Old Trafford.