Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has announced that Joshua Zirkzee will miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury he suffered in Sunday’s 4-1 Premier League defeat at Newcastle United, Afrosport reports.
The Dutch forward, of Nigerian heritage, held his hamstring in pain in the 55th minute at the St. James’ park and was replaced by Rasmus Hojlund.
The injury of Zirkzee, who has scored seven goals and provided three assists in 48 competitive games this term, is a blow for United who have a number of players already on the sidelines, including Ivorian star Amad Diallo.
“Joshua is out for the season. He is not going to play anymore this season,” Amorim said ahead of Thursday’s Europa League second leg tie with Olympique Lyon.
“We must prepare him for next season. It is hard for any player to stop, but it’s football. He has to be ready to recover.”
Ruben has ruled Joshua Zirkzee out for the season.
Speedy recovery, Josh ❤️#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 16, 2025
Amorim also revealed that Andre Onana will return to the squad as he was left out of the Newcastle game after coming under fire for his errors in the first leg against Lyon.
“Onana will play tomorrow,” the Portuguese tactician asserted.
“I think as a former coach and a player, I try to do things that can help a player in this situation. We talk about managing players physically, but we also have to manage them mentally. This week, my thinking was to put Onana to play.
“I am trying to be clear on things and make the valuation. Andre is ready to return and to start this game.”
Ruben has decided which goalkeeper will start against Lyon ✅#MUFC || #UEL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 16, 2025
United will be hoping to make home advantage count at Old Trafford against Lyon after the 2-2 draw in the first leg in France.
