Manchester United are set for a quick turnaround between fixtures as they continue their festive schedule against Burnley.
Having earned victories over Crystal Palace and Norwich City — either side a 1-1 dead rubber Champions League draw against Young Boys — interim manager Ralf Rangnick was left with plenty to ponder as United returned to Premier League duty at Newcastle on Monday night.
Edinson Cavani marked his comeback from injury by rescuing a point to make it 1-1 at St James' Park. His inclusion and Raphael Varane's first appearance since November 2 were two positives for Rangnick as United prepare to take on another team battling to avoid relegation this campaign.
World Cup winner Paul Pogba will miss out once again, while Victor Lindelof is doubtful after contracting Covid-19 over the past couple of weeks.
Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial were omitted from the matchday squad at Newcastle as well, but it's understood those decisions were not made based on fitness.
Here is the current state of play on the United treatment table;
Victor Lindelof
Injury: n/a (Covid-19)
Possible return date: January 3 vs Wolves
What Rangnick has said: "Victor Lindelof tested positive yesterday [on Sunday] so he cannot play, but the good thing is we have Raphael Varane available again and he is back in the starting line-up [against Newcastle]."
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Paul Pogba
Injury: Thigh
Return date: January 2022
What Rangnick has said: "He still isn't fully fit and, from what I've heard, it will take another couple of weeks until he's fit for training again. He has been out [injured] for some time, so it will take another couple of weeks to get him match fit."
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