Smalling and Welbeck sidelined for United
Reuters - Friday 11 May 2012, 11:41
Brief news ahead of the final
round of this season's Premier League fixtures on Sunday:
Manchester United, second in the table, go into their
final game of the season against Sunderland top of the injury
league with 10 players listed as either under treatment or out
of action.
Chris Smalling is the latest addition to the list after
tearing a groin muscle against Swansea City last week which will
keep him out of Sunday's match and the European Championships
next month. Danny Welbeck will also miss Sunday's trip with an
ankle injury, but he will be fit for the Euros.
Arsenal's Bacary Sagna will be missing from their match at
West Bromwich Albion as they bid to cement third place in the
standings, after he suffered a broken leg against Norwich City
last week.
The injury will also keep him out of France's squad for the
Euros. Theo Walcott should be fit for Sunday's game after
recovering from a hamstring injury.
Mikel Arteta will be a big loss for Arsenal, sidelined with
an ankle and foot injury. Arteta has missed seven league matches
this season and Arsenal have not won any of them.
Tottenham Hotspur, who will finish third if they beat
Fulham and Arsenal fail to beat West Brom, have a problem at
left back where Benoit Assu-Ekotto is out with a dislocated
shoulder and his replacement Danny Rose is suspended following
his red card against Aston Villa last week.
Gareth Bale could drop back from midfield to fill the gap
while Scott Parker is a doubt with an Achilles injury.
Newcastle United, who could also clinch third spot if they
win at Everton and Arsenal and Spurs slip up, could have Danny
Guthrie back for their visit to Goodison Park if he recovers
from his calf injury in time.
Manchester City, who can clinch the title with a win over
Queens Park Rangers, have no injury concerns, but Rangers, who
need a point from the Etihad Stadium encounter to be safe from
relegation, are hoping that midfielder Samba Diakite is fit
after illness.
Bolton Wanderers, who will go down unless they win at
Stoke City and QPR fail to get a point from City, are waiting on
the fitness of several players including Nigel Reo-Coker (leg)
and Mark Davies (virus) after they missed training in midweek.