Manchester United will be hoping they can be back in action over the festive period following the recent chaos caused by the Covid outbreak at Carrington.
United had games against Brentford and Brighton postponed as the pandemic rears its ugly head again, although the Premier League has made clear its plans to continue with its scheduled fixtures.
Ralf Rangnick and his side will therefore hope to be back in action at Newcastle on December 27, and they’ll hope to have a few injury absentees returning at St James’ Park.
Here’s the latest on the injury front for United heading into the Christmas period.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The full-back is expected to be in contention for the trip to Newcastle on the 27th, having been left to wait a little longer than he’d have first expected.
Having collided with the advertising boards, Wan-Bissaka was carried off at the end of the Champions League draw with Young Boys and left out of the squad to face Norwich a few days later.
He suffered injuries to his knee and wrist, although the problems were nothing to serious, and he was expected to make the squad for the clash with Brentford before it got postponed.
Potential return date: December 27
Edinson Cavani
Like Wan-Bissaka, Cavani had been expected to return to the squad against Brentford and Brighton, having been struggling with a tendon problem.
While speculation continues over his future at Old Trafford, the Uruguayan looks set to continue playing a part under Rangnick.
Potential return date: December 27
Victor Lindelof
It’s unclear whether Lindelof will be able to return to action soon after coming off the pitch during the win over Norwich with breathing difficulties.
The defender underwent precautionary tests after Rangnick revealed his heart rate was higher than normal, and that the Swede was “a little shocked” at Carrow Road.
Lindelof’s wife Maja revealed her husband had been fitted with a heart monitor while Carrington was closed amid the Covid outbreak – it remains to be seen what the outcome is for Lindelof, but he is hoped to be able to make a return soon.
Potential return date: N/A
Anthony Martial
The wantaway striker looks as though he could still be a doubt for United with a knee problem.
He was expected to be sidelined against Brighton at the weekend, having picked up the injury in training, and was advised not to rush back into action.
Having originally thought the problem to not be too serious, Martial’s knee is proving to be a bigger concern than first expected, although he could be back in contention for Newcastle.
Potential return date: December 27
Raphael Varane
Having been back in training, the Frenchman could finally be ready to make his return to action at Newcastle.
Varane has been absent since suffering a hamstring injury against Atalanta in the Champions League, but his rehabilitation is now all-but complete.
The postponed games are likely to have given him a bit of extra time to recover too, having been expected to return against Brighton on Saturday.
Potential return date: December 27
Paul Pogba
The midfielder is set to remain on the sidelines, although he is stepping up his recovery by taking part in strength and conditioning training in the gym.
Pogba has been out since suffering a thigh injury while on international duty with France last month, and it looks as though he won’t return until the New Year.
No exact return date has been given, although he’s expected to be missing for another few weeks.
Potential return date: N/A
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