Michael Carrick will be hoping for multiple injury returns as Manchester United prepare to face Aston Villa this weekend.
Manchester United had the weekend off due to no FA Cup action as Michael Carrick’s men regrouped following a 2-1 defeat against Newcastle in midweek.
It was the first time the Reds had tasted Premier League defeat since the start of the year, although their position remains strong in the table, sitting third and above Aston Villa on goal difference, while Chelsea and Liverpool both sit three points behind.
Next up, United will welcome Aston Villa to Old Trafford for a mid-afternoon kick-off on Sunday in what could be a game that shapes the race for Champions League places.
Unai Emery’s men started the season poorly, but a run of 11 straight wins toward the back end of last year thrust them into the top four. However, having won just one game in five in the league, they are suddenly in danger of finding themselves out of the top spots in the competition.
Carrick will be hoping for a few injury returns ahead of the Villa game in training this week.
Lisandro Martínez
What happened: Having started every game under Carrick, Lisandro Martínez has been absent from the last three squads against Everton, Crystal Palace, and Newcastle due to a minor calf issue.
What was said: “We will have to wait and see,” Carrick said last week. “He’s close, he’s not far away. It’s hard to say at the moment.”
Possible return date: Sunday, 15 March – Aston Villa (A).
Noussair Mazraoui
What happened: Starting at right-back against Newcastle, Noussair Mazraoui was switched to the opposite flank in the second half, but was withdrawn in the closing stages after receiving a knock.
What was said: No update has been given since, but given United’s extended break due to no FA Cup action, he will likely be fine to play on the weekend.
Possible return date: Sunday, 15 March – Aston Villa (A).
Mason Mount
What happened: Mason Mount has not featured for United since Carrick’s first game in charge, the 2-0 win over Manchester City, after receiving a knock in training.
What was said: “Mason is getting closer, really,” was Carrick’s latest update toward the end of last month. “He’s on the grass, and he’s getting closer; he’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon.
“He’s getting close. He’s just had to be patient, really, and he’s a big player, so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season. The good news is he’s getting really close.”
Possible return date: Sunday, 15 March – Aston Villa (A).
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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: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress really,” Carrick said at the end of February. “It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there. He’s in the right direction, but, as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind [Mount].”
Possible return date: 15 March – Aston Villa (H).
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Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu
What happened: Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu sustained a hamstring injury against Arsenal in January, with initial reports suggesting that he could miss ten weeks of action.
What’s been said: According to recent reports, Dorgu is now not expected to return from injury until mid-April.
Expected return date: Saturday, 18 April – Chelsea (A).
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