The need to know team news ahead of Europa League return

 

The 2019/20 Europa League campaign resumes this evening after a five-month hiatus.

 

Not only has so much has happened since the first leg matches back in March, but for some sides this will be their first competitive match in a month.

 

Having already reminded you all of what happened across the first leg action, here we run through the notable injuries, suspensions and team news ahead of the business stage of the round of 16 matches.

 

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Wolfsburg (2-1 aggregate)
Date / KO: Wednesday, 17:55 GMT

With this tie in the balance, both teams ideally would like to play their strongest line ups. Neither will have that luxury, however. Shakhtar will be without regular left-back Ismaily through injury with 21-year-old Marquinhos Cipriano set to make his debut in the competition as cover.

 

Wolfsburg are also without key defenders. Full-back duo William and Paulo Otavio are injured and Kevin Mbabu has tested positive for COVID-19. Centre-back Robin Knoche, who would have started, is also unavailable after leaving the club last month.

 

Manchester United vs LASK (5-0 aggregate)
Date / KO: Wednesday, 20:00 GMT

 

Manchester United head into Wednesday’s round of 16 second leg in much better shape than their first meeting with LASK back in March. Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford both missed the 5-0 first leg win through injury but have since recovered, though Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is now without Luke Shaw for the remainder of the competition. With United all but through to the next round, expect a second-string XI to start at Old Trafford.

 

LASK, meanwhile, will attempt mission impossible without regular Europa League players Thomas Goiginger and Marvin Potzmann. The Austrian outfit do, however, have centre-backs Petar Filipovic and Philipp Wiesinger available after the duo missed the first leg through suspensions.

 

 

Inter vs Getafe
Date / KO: Wednesday, 20:00 GMT

 

The big news for Inter is that Alexis Sanchez is about to join permanently from Manchester United. His current loan deal is due to expire on Friday, meaning this would be his last chance to play for Antonio Conte’s side, but a deal is imminent. Inter will continue to be without midfield duo Stefano Sensi and Matias Vecino but welcome back Lautaro Martinez from suspension in the competition. 

 

Sevilla vs Roma
Date / KO: Thursday, 17:55 GMT

 

Both sides will have to cope with some absentees for their straight shoot-out tie. Sevilla will most notably be without creative ace Ever Banega, who has now left the club, while left-back Sergio Reguilon is back at parent side Real Madrid following the end of his loan spell. Both would have started for Sevilla after playing key roles for the Spanish side this season. Central midfielder Nemanja Gudelj is also expected to miss out after testing positive for coronavirus last week.

 

Roma will no longer be able to call on Chris Smalling after failing to extend his loan deal from Manchester United. He finished his maiden Serie A campaign in the WhoScored Team of the Season and will be missed. Roma will also be light in central midfield, as Jordan Veretout is suspended and Lorenzo Pellegrini is a doubt despite making the squad. Paulo Fonseca is at least boosted by the return of Nicolo Zaniolo, who has returned from a long-term knee injury in good form. The youngster has played a direct hand in three goals in his last six games despite only starting once in that time.

 

Bayer Leverkusen vs Rangers (3-1 aggregate)
Date / KO: Thursday, 17:55 GMT

 

Bayer Leverkusen hold a healthy advantage heading into the second leg after their 3-1 win in Glasgow but will still be pleased to have star man Kai Havertz available. Playing hardball over his move to Chelsea, Leverkusen do not want to lose Havertz until their Europa League campaign is done and dusted. The German side will, however, be without Kerem Demirbay, who is suspended, and an injured Paulinho.

 

Rangers too have their best player available despite transfer speculation. Alfredo Morelos’ impending move to Lille may now happen after Rangers signed Kemar Roofe as a replacement on Tuesday but he should at least be available here. As a 20/21 signing, Roofe is ineligible, as is fellow new arrival Leon Balogun. Jermain Defoe is expected to miss out through injury for Steven Gerrard’s side.

 

Wolves vs Olmpiacos (1-1 aggregate)
Date / KO: Thursday, 20:00 GMT

 

Wolves typically have a clean bill of health heading into Thursday’s second leg clash with Olympiacos. Wolves signed Daniel Podence from Olympiacos in January and he is eligible to face his former club.

 

The Greek side will have to make do without controversial centre-back Ruben Semedo, who was sent off in the 1-1 draw back in March.

The need to know team news ahead of Europa League return