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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Daniel Murphy

Varane, Cavani, Pogba, Martial - Manchester United injury latest and potential return dates

Manchester United have finally had some good news on the injury front this week.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Nemanja Matic were both back for Ralf Rangnick's first game in charge after missing the victory over Arsenal, even if they didn't make it off the bench against Crystal Palace.

Now the new United interim manager has been boosted further by the returns of Jesse Lingard and Luke Shaw to training ahead of his second match, the final game of the Champions League group stage against Young Boys.

The fixture is a dead rubber with United already claiming top spot in Group F, but it offers an opportunity for Rangnick to have a good look at the rest of his squad.

However, he will still be without Raphael Varane, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba who are at varying stages of their own recoveries.

Here's the latest news on those four key players and when they could be back in action.

Raphael Varane

After missing over a month of action due to suffering a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw at Atalanta, Varane is nearing a comeback.

The centre-back returned to the training field on Tuesday but isn't expected to be back in full training until next week, meaning he will miss the visit of Young Boys as well as the trip to Norwich City.

What Rangnick said: "They both cannot play tomorrow but they were part of the training today. Edi even yesterday, Rapha the first time.

"Expect them both in full training next week. Both top players. It is also about sustainability. It would be great to have them as soon as possible, but obviously for rest of season."

Potential return date: December 18

Edinson Cavani

Veteran striker Cavani returned a day earlier than Varane but also won't be back training fully until Monday.

The Uruguayan's last match also came in the draw with Atalanta, though he suffered his injury in the previous match against Tottenham.

Cavani played excellently and scored a lovely goal in the game but reaggravated a tendon injury in the process which has kept him out of action for the last nine games.

Potential return date: December 18

Anthony Martial

Martial was a late substitute in Michael Carrick's final game at the helm against Arsenal but then sat out the win over the Eagles and celebrated his birthday from the stands rather than on the pitch.

The Frenchman suffered a knee injury in training but it isn't thought to be serious and it's hoped he will be back soon.

What Rangnick said: "Anthony trained on Saturday and half an hour after he had pain on his knee.

"We had meeting with medical department and we agreed he should try to recover. We need to make sure he reduces pain in next few days and hopefully have him back training next week."

Potential return date: December 18

Paul Pogba

After Anthony Martial and Varane before him, Pogba was the latest United player to pick up an injury while on international duty with France in November.

The midfielder hit an innocuous volley in training but immediately shouted in pain and clutched his thigh before limping off the field. Further tests revealed a substation injury that will keep him out between 6-10 weeks. He has since spent time in Dubai to work on his recovery.

What Solskjaer said: "He's already started on his rehab and wants to come back fresh and ready. If it's two months or six weeks or 12 weeks, I've got to tell you in a few weeks how he's healing."

What Carrick said: "Paul and Rapha are a bit further away."

Potential return date: N/A

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