Manchester United have endured a perfect return to domestic action with two wins from two against Burnley and Nottingham Forest in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.
But Erik ten Hag’s side are yet to see the return of a fully fit squad, with four members forced out of Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Forest, while Lisandro Martinez remains on extended leave after winning the World Cup with Argentina. However, the Red Devils will be hoping that a number of stars make a full recovery ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Wolves.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at Old Trafford and the expected return dates for those out on the sidelines.
Victor Lindelof
Victor Lindelof was expected to be United’s only fit centre back for the visit of Nottingham Forest on Tuesday but was ruled out himself through illness to hand Ten Hag a nightmare scenario.
Luckily for the Dutchman, Raphael Varane returned early from World Cup leave to start, while Harry Maguire featured from the bench, but it is not yet known how serious Lindelof’s condition is.
However, with games coming thick and fast, the Swedish international’s return against Wolves will be crucial and it is hoped he will make a full recovery in time for this weekend.
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Scott McTominay
Midfielder Scott McTominay was also ruled out at the last minute as a result of illness and, like Lindelof, it is hoped that he will recover in time to feature against Wolves on New Year’s Eve.
The Scotsman is unlikely to start, however, with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen occupying the holding midfield roles, but having him in the matchday squad will still be crucial. Nonetheless, he remains a doubt ahead of this weekend.
Speaking on Tuesday, Ten Hag said: “We had illnesses during the week. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Scott McTominay. Yesterday, we took the decision but then we waited in case they recovered overnight. Harry is definitely better than he was yesterday but the other two are not available.”
Diogo Dalot
First-choice right back Diogo Dalot remains sidelined with a hamstring injury after missing both of the Old Trafford victories over Burnley and Nottingham Forest over the last week.
The defender had picked up a hamstring strain whilst on World Cup duty with Portugal on December 10 and was forced out of United’s training sessions last week.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has deputised in his absence and could do so once more for the trip to Wolves on Saturday. However, an update can be expected in the coming hours and days.
Axel Tuanzebe
Forgotten man Axel Tuanzebe remains in the treatment room as he steps up his recovery from a long-term back issue that he sustained over the summer.
The 25-year-old missed out on the mid-season training camp in Spain earlier this month with the rest of the squad in order to continue his specialised recovery programme at Carrington, where he is now back on the grass in individual training.
With United’s lack of options at centre back, Ten Hag will be hoping that Tuanzebe can make a quick recovery, although there is no specific time frame as to when he may be able to return.
