Manchester United confirm Marcel Sabitzer will not take part in Carabao Cup game against Nottingham Forest

Manchester United have confirmed that new signing Marcel Sabitzer will be unavailable for Wednesday’s (1 February) Carabao Cup clash with Nottingham Forest. The Austrian midfielder will join the Red Devils on loan from FC Bayern Munich until the end of the season.

It was a dramatic deadline day for United that sealed Sabitzer’s arrival within 12 hours. He is the replacement for Christian Eriksen, who is out until May with a knee injury. However, fans won’t be able to see his debut for the club against Forest in the Carabao Cup.

The Red Devils have confirmed on their website that Sabitzer will not play Steve Cooper’s team in the second leg of the semifinals as he is still completing his visa process. United lead 3-0 on aggregate tonight.

The Austrian is expected to be present at Old Trafford tonight. He joins Manchester United after an overwhelming spell at Bayern. He was unable to displace Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka in midfield. He played 24 games in all competitions, 11 of them in Bayern’s starting XI, scored one goal and made assists.

Sabitzer was thrilled to join Erik ten Hag’s side and the opportunity presented to him (via the club’s website):

“From the moment I heard about this opportunity, I knew it was the right thing for me. I’m a competitive player; I want to win and help the club achieve their goals this season.

He added:

“I feel like I’m at my best as a player and I can bring a lot of experience and energy to the team. I’m looking forward to starting with my new team-mates and my new manager and showing my qualities to the Manchester United fans.”

Sabitzer could make his Premier League debut for the Red Devils against Crystal Palace on Saturday (February 4). He will rival Fred, Casemiro and Scott McTominay in United’s midfield. The Austrian’s preferred role is on the left side of a midfield three.

Manchester United’s McTominay will be out for at least two weeks

Manchester United suffered a massive setback when it was announced that Eriksen would be out until late April/early May. However, Ten Hag has confirmed that McTominay is also out through injury (via Metro):

“They can finalize the squad but in January Donny is out for the rest of the season and Christian Eriksen is out for part of the season and Scott McTominay is also unavailable for the coming week, two weeks maybe even longer.”

McTominay missed out on his side’s 3-1 win over Reading in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday (27 January). The Scotland midfielder has made 24 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing one assist. So United had to get a deal over the line for Sabitzer with Ten Hag’s midfield struggling with injuries.