Manchester United lose two more centre-backs to injury in dramatic Brentford draw

Manchester United defenders Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof were both forced off during the Red Devils' 1-1 draw in the Premier League with Brentford on Saturday night.

Following the two-week international break, Erik ten Hag's side resumed their hopes of achieving Champions League qualification with a trip to the Gtech Community Stadium, where Thomas Frank's Bees awaited.

Having lost five of their last six matches in the league, Brentford did well to hold Man United until added-on time, when a returning face found the net for the visitors.

Arriving off the bench for only his second cameo since picking up an injury in November, Mason Mount struck in the 96th minute to seemingly seal three points for the Red Devils.

However, it was the Londoners who managed to have the last laugh as they levelled the contest in the dying stages, with Kristoffer Ajer bagging his second goal of the Premier League campaign, forcing a share of the spoils.

Dropped points and injury woes

As well as losing ground on Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Champions League, Ten Hag's troops also lost two defenders to fitness issues at the Gtech.

World Cup winner Varane received a heavy impact to his ankle as he blocked a fierce shot from Brentford marksman Ivan Toney in the first period.

Although the Frenchman was able to soldier on until the half-time whistle, he did not remerge for the second period, with Harry Maguire coming on in his place.

By the end of the contest, the visitors were battling on with a new centre-back partnership following an issue sustained by Sweden international Lindelof in the closing 25 minutes.

The 29-year-old started to hold his hamstring and was soon replaced by Lisandro Martinez, who is only just returning from his own injury issues.

Ten Hag's backline conundrum

With Man United back in Premier League action on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, it remains to be seen whether Varane or Lindelof will be fit enough to feature in West London once again.

Mauricio Pochettino's Blues were booed off the pitch following their 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Burnley on Saturday, however one Chelsea player received plenty of plaudits regardless.

Former Manchester City man Cole Palmer took his Premier League goal tally for the season to 13 with a brace against the Clarets, and the 21-year-old will be relishing the chance to come up against a Red Devils backline blighted by injuries.

Man United remain without the services of both of their first-team left-backs, with Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia unlikely to feature prominently before the end of the campaign.

Argentine Martinez played his first minutes since February 4 during the draw at Brentford, and it could be a risk to throw the 26-year-old into the starting XI against Chelsea on Thursday.