Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag will hope to have Bruno Fernandes back for the Premier League game against Brighton, but an earlier return remains possible.
Fans of the FA Cup finalists were left concerned after photos showed the midfielder in a protective boot after the semi against the Seagulls. Fernandes was forced off during extra-time, meaning he played no part in United's penalty shoot-out victory.
Thursday's match against Tottenham will come too soon for the former Sporting star, who is also a doubt for the game at home to Aston Villa on Sunday. With United still needing points to secure a top-four finish, though, Ten Hag will be desperate to bring him in over the weekend despite huge doubts over the player's availability.
Fellow midfielders Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are already missing, underlining the importance of a speedy return for Fernandes. United have already suffered injuries elsewhere, with Lisandro Martinez out for the season and Raphael Varane and Alejandro Garnacho still not ready to return to action.
Harry Maguire will be available again after suspension, but it remains to be seen whether he goes straight back into the starting XI against Spurs. Luke Shaw impressed at centre-back against Brighton and could continue to partner Victor Lindelof in the absence of Martinez and Varane.
Spurs have been dealt an injury blow of their own, with captain Hugo Lloris failing to emerge for the second half of Sunday's defeat at Newcastle. Interim manager Ryan Mason could be forced to start Fraser Forster in goal, while the London side are also without the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and Emerson Royal.
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“I've talked all season about more than the starting XI,” Ten Hag said after Sunday's win. He confirmed Varane could yet be available for the FA Cup final against Manchester City, but was impressed by those involved against Brighton.
“Victor Lindelof, it's so great for him," the former Ajax boss added. He's played his games but not as much as he probably expected. Now is his chance and he's taken his chance because he was there.
“Luke showed composure in defending and organising, building up and he played a decent game. This is what we expected. For the rest of the season, some players, we have to rely on them and I talked about it all season."
Victory for Man Utd on Thursday would put them in a strong position in the race for Champions League qualification, thanks to their games in hand over Spurs and Aston Villa. However, defeats to the sides directly below them could increase pressure going into the run-in with upcoming opponents Brighton also pushing for a European spot.
