Michael Carrick has issued the latest on Mason Mount’s fitness as Manchester United prepare to host Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Manchester United did not play over the weekend after being knocked out of the FA Cup, allowing Michael Carrick’s side to regroup following a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in midweek last week.
It was the first time the Reds had lost in the Premier League since the beginning of the year, though they remain well placed in the table. United are currently third, ahead of Aston Villa on goal difference, while Chelsea and Liverpool sit three points behind.
Next up is a mid-afternoon clash with Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday, in what could prove to be an important fixture in the battle for Champions League qualification.
Unai Emery’s side struggled early in the campaign, but a remarkable run of 11 consecutive wins late last year pushed them into the top four. However, with just one league win in their last five matches, they are now in danger of dropping out of the leading pack.
Carrick has issued the latest on his squad’s injury news ahead of the fixture.
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 [Mount] is back with the group, which is fantastic,” Carrick said on Friday afternoon. “He’s an important player for us.. He is not 100% in terms of back, because he’s only trained a very small amount of time, but he’s back, and that’s good for us.”
Possible return date: Sunday, 15 March – Aston Villa (H).
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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: The most recent reports have stated that Martínez is not expected to be fit to play against Villa, but should return soon.
Possible return date: Friday, 20 March – Bournemouth (A).
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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at right-back against Newcastle, Noussair Mazraoui was switched to the opposite flank in the second half, but was withdrawn in the closing stages after receiving a knock.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: The club confirmed earlier this week that Mazroaui was back in training and was fully fit to play.
Possible return date: Friday, 20 March – Bournemouth (A).
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: Friday, 20 March – Bournemouth (A).
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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