Michael Carrick will be hoping for two returns as Manchester United face off against Crystal Palace in a Premier League tie on Sunday afternoon.
Following a well-earned 1-0 win over Everton away from home on Monday evening, Manchester United return to Old Trafford to host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
Having collected 16 of a possible 18 points since Michael Carrick took charge of the first-team, United find themselves fourth in the Premier League table and three points clear of Chelsea in fifth place, although Liverpool also sit three points behind in sixth.
On the other hand, Palace have not had a brilliant season. After winning the FA Cup last campaign, Oliver Glanser has seen multiple key players sold from his squad, and the Eagles sit 13th in the league table.
They secured just their second win in 16 games as on-loan winger Evann Guessand’s 90th-minute winner over Wolves earned them three points, but their confidence remains low as they focus on winning the Europa Conference League.
Ahead of the weekend’s fixture, Carrick will be hoping that two of his first-team squad can return to the squad on Sunday afternoon.
Mason Mount
What happened: Mason Mount did not feature against Fulham, Tottenham, West Ham, or Everton following a knock in training.
What’s been said: “Yeah, Mason is getting closer. I think we’ve been patient, so we don’t want to push anything”, Carrick told reporters last Friday. “We want him back, and he can have a big impact. He’s getting closer which is good for us.”
Expected return date: Sunday, 1 March – Crystal Palace (H).
Lisandro Martínez
What happened: Having started every game under Carrick, Lisandro Martínez was absent from the squad that faced Everton due to a minor calf problem.
What’s been said: “Lisandro Martínez has a calf strain,” reporter Gaston Edul revealed on Monday evening. “He won’t play today [vs Everton] but returns to training this week and is available for Manchester United’s upcoming matches.”
Expected return date: Sunday, 1 March – Crystal Palace (H).
Matthijs de Ligt
What happened: Matthijs de Ligt has missed every one of United’s fixtures since the end of November with a back injury, having played every minute of the first 13 Premier League games of United’s season.
What’s been said: “Matta is a little bit working towards it,” Carrick said. “He’s a bit behind Mason, so we’re just trying to work with him to progress him.”
Possible return date: 15 March – Aston Villa (H).
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu
What happened: Amid a fantastic run of form, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu sustained a hamstring injury against Arsenal, with initial reports suggesting that he could miss ten weeks of action.
What’s been said: According to The Athletic’s Carl Anka, Dorgu is now not expected to return from injury until mid-April.
Expected return date: Saturday, 18 April – Chelsea (A).
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