Manchester United are currently nursing five of their players as things stand but there is the potential for at least two of those to make a return to the squad against Chelsea on Sunday.
United are set to appoint Ralf Rangnick as their new interim manager this week but certain restrictions will mean that he won’t be able to take charge of this weekend’s Premier League clash against the Blues, so Michael Carrick will remain in charge until then.
Carrick has no fresh injury concerns from the midweek Champions League victory over Villarreal, but awaits to hear whether his long-term absentees will become available.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Man United and the expected return dates for those on the sidelines.
Do Man United have what it takes to get a result at Chelsea? Have your say in the comments section.
Edinson Cavani
There is the potential for striker Edinson Cavani to return to the Man United squad this weekend ahead of the visit to Stamford Bridge, after the striker has been recovering from a recurring tendon problem.
The Uruguayan has been out since the 3-0 victory away to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of October and has been back in his homeland recuperating.
However, there has been an expected return date of this weekend for Cavani but there still remain question marks over whether or not he will be fit enough to play.
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw could also make a return this weekend if he has recovered properly from the concussion he picked up during the 2-0 Manchester derby defeat at Old Trafford at the start of the month.
The left back has been assessed ever since and even pulled out of England international duty a fortnight ago to continue his recovery and despite featuring against Watford last weekend, he was once again removed from the field.
There is hope that he will feature once again this weekend and that last weekend just came a bit too early for him, but it could be a late decision.
Raphael Varane
Summer signing Raphael Varane remains sidelined but is nearing a return as he steps up his recovery from a thigh injury he sustained during the 2-2 Champions League draw with Atalanta at the beginning of the month.
It is hoped that the French centre-half will make a return as soon as next week but United will continue to assess the defender until then.
Last week, before his sacking, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that Varane was improving but is still a few weeks away, although he’ll be back soon.
Paul Pogba
A huge injury blow for the Red Devils came when Paul Pogba was injured in the latest international break with France, picking up a nasty thigh injury during a training session.
It is feared that the midfielder could be out for the rest of the year at least, with no specific return date given as of yet.
However, Pogba has been back training in the warmer climates of Dubai to assist with his recovery, as he begins his rehab to get back to match fitness.
Who would make your Man Utd team against Chelsea? Pick below.
Mason Greenwood
It was revealed last week that Mason Greenwood was self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19.
The young striker missed out on United’s last two matches and it is assumed that he will once again be missing against Chelsea.
However, it can be expected that he will be back for the following game next week.
