Dundee United vs Motherwell injury news: Merghem returns as Farrugia misses out

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Dundee United vs Motherwell injury news brings mixed fortunes for Jim Goodwin, with Mehdi Merghem available again but Neil Farrugia ruled out of Saturday’s Premiership match.

Motherwell remain without three players named in Friday’s team update, although striker Callum Hendry is back fit and pushing for involvement.

The sides meet at Tannadice at 3pm GMT on Saturday 7 November, in their final league fixture before the international break.

Dundee United injury news: Merghem back in contention

Merghem returns after a knee injury, according to BBC Sport’s Friday evening team news.

His availability gives Goodwin another option, although a starting place has not been confirmed. Earlier previews still listed Merghem as injured, but Friday’s update supersedes those reports.

Neil Farrugia injury rules attacker out

Farrugia will miss the Motherwell match with a groin strain. Will Ferry and Emmanuel Agyei also remain sidelined with knee injuries.

No confirmed return dates for the three players were included in Friday’s update.

Motherwell injury news: three players remain out

Alex Lowry, Dylan Williams and Johnny Koutroumbis are still unavailable for Alfred Johansson’s side.

Lowry has a knee injury, Williams is recovering from a hamstring problem and Koutroumbis has a muscle injury.

Callum Hendry ready to compete for a place

There is better news for Motherwell in attack. Hendry is back fit after an injury-disrupted six months and is looking to establish himself in Johansson’s plans.

In his pre-match interview with the club, Hendry discussed his return to action and his determination to make up for lost playing time.

His availability adds another selection option, but does not guarantee a start at Tannadice.

Dundee United vs Motherwell injury news at a glance

Player	Club	Latest status
Mehdi Merghem	Dundee United	Returns after knee injury
Neil Farrugia	Dundee United	Out — groin strain
Will Ferry	Dundee United	Out — knee injury
Emmanuel Agyei	Dundee United	Out — knee injury
Alex Lowry	Motherwell	Out — knee injury
Dylan Williams	Motherwell	Out — hamstring injury
Johnny Koutroumbis	Motherwell	Out — muscle injury
Callum Hendry	Motherwell	Back fit and competing for selection

Goodwin hopes fresh legs help United

United had no match last weekend because scheduled opponents Hearts were involved in the League Cup semi-finals.

Goodwin said the break had allowed a substantial block of training, although his players had been keen to build immediately on their 2-2 draw at Celtic.

“Hopefully, there should be a lot of fresh legs there,” he said in Friday’s report of his DUTV interview.

Analysis: The extra preparation time gives Goodwin scope to work on his options without Farrugia. Merghem’s return helps, but the confirmed team will show whether he is ready to start or is initially used from the bench.

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