Erik ten Hag continues to struggle with a remarkably long list of injuries at Manchester United.
The Dutchman does not have a host of first-team players in defence, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka recently forced to come on at left back and Casemiro and Jonny Evans starting at centre-back in Monday’s 4-0 defeat against Crystal Palace on Monday. night.
Captain Bruno Fernandes missed that match, while Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are still on the sidelines.
United are in danger of missing out on European football next season, with little optimism ahead of an FA Cup final against Manchester City later this month.
Here’s your latest update Man Utd injury news and return dates…
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes missed a United match for the first time due to injury as his teammates were hammered at Selhurst Park.
Ten Hag confirmed ahead of that match that Fernandes was a doubt but did not indicate it was a serious injury and there is a good chance the United captain will be back for Arsenal this weekend.
“We all know Bruno. Never rule him out for any match. He will do his best to be available,” Ten Hag said last week.
Potential return date: Sunday, May 12, vs Arsenal
Harry Maguire
A muscle injury suffered during training has added Maguire’s name to United’s injury list.
The defender is expected to be out for around three weeks, ruling him out of the remainder of the Premier League season and leaving him doubtful for the FA Cup final.
Maguire will be fit for this summer’s European Championships, assuming there are no further setbacks.
Potential return date: Sunday, May 25, vs Manchester City
Lisandro Martinez
It has been a hugely frustrating season for Martinez, who has played just 11 games due to various injuries.
He has been out of action since the end of March due to a calf injury, but is now moving closer to a return to the first team after Ten Hag revealed he would return to training ahead of the match against Palace.
Martinez will likely need some time to build up his fitness, but he should return before the end of the season.
Potential return date: May 2024
Luke Shaw
As with Martinez, Ten Hag suggested last week that Shaw was close to returning to team training.
The left back suffered a muscle injury against Luton in February, with it being reported at the time that he would be out for three months.
That would suggest a return towards the end of May, with United confirming they expect Shaw to return to action this season.
Potential return date: May 2024
Jonny Evans
Evans made his first appearance in a month when he came into the side to face Palace, partnering Casemiro at the back.
It has been claimed on social media that Evans was not yet ready to return, but was asked to play due to the injury crisis, and he managed to play the full 90 minutes.
He should do the same against Arsenal if the situation does not improve for United.
Potential return date: Sunday, May 12, vs Arsenal
Marcus Rashford
Rashford has now missed United’s last three games after a blow suffered during the FA Cup win over Coventry at Wembley.
Ten Hag has provided a vague update on the situation, with Rashford yet to return to training.
“His problem after Coventry has not been cured,” the United boss said on Thursday. ‘I do not know [you] when he will be back in training.”
Potential return date: May 2024
Scott McTominay
McTominay suffered a knee injury during the draw with Burnley and subsequently missed the trip to Selhurst Park.
However, a late decision was made regarding his fitness, meaning he had almost a full week to build up his fitness against Arsenal.
“Scott has not trained that far this week, but I expect him to be back in training on Saturday,” Ten Hag said ahead of the Palace match. “Then we will have to see until the match whether he is 100 percent available or in favor [only] a role in the game.
Potential return date: Sunday, May 12, vs Arsenal
Rafael Varane
Varane has been out since the match against Chelsea a month ago, when he was taken off the pitch at half-time.
The club stated that he would be out “for the coming weeks” due to a muscle injury, and that the Frenchman was “aiming to return to action before the end of the season”.
No official update has been given since then and a return does not appear imminent.
Potential return date: May 2024
Anthony Martial
There are hopes that Martial will return to United this season in what could be a final appearance for the club.
The Frenchman is out of contract this summer and is expected to leave, but he is now back in training and closing in on a return.
Martial last played in December and had to undergo groin surgery at the beginning of this year.
Potential return date: May 2024
Victor Lindelof
A hamstring injury he sustained against Brentford at the end of March has kept Lindelof on the sidelines ever since.
It was reported that he would be out for a month, but he has not been named among those returning to training and therefore faces a race to play again this season.
Potential return date: May 2024
Willy Kambwala
Kambwala’s absence has further increased Ten Hag’s major injury concerns.
An unspecified issue ruled the teenager out of the FA Cup semi-final against Coventry and he has not returned to the squad in recent weeks, with the United boss simply saying the club must be “patient” are.
Potential return date: May 2024
Tyrell Malacia
Malacia has not featured once this season, leaving United short in the left back position.
After undergoing surgery in the summer, a second operation was required in November and his recovery has been slow since then.
“I think it will be difficult to be available this season,” Ten Hag said in March.
Potential return date: Summer 2024