Manchester United’s centre-back crisis looks to be easing ahead of their Premier League return against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
Erik ten Hag’s fifth-placed side have been looking notably short on fit and available defenders as they resume the top-flight campaign following the World Cup with the visit of opponents battling to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, hoping to pile on the pressure in their own quest to finish in the top four.
Harry Maguire has been suffering from an illness, while both Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane are unavailable after being afforded holiday following their respective involvement in the thrilling tournament showpiece between Argentina and France in Qatar last weekend.
United are also without the likes of Axel Tuanzebe and youngster Teden Mengi through injury at present, with Phil Jones seemingly out of the picture and versatile full-back Diogo Dalot having also picked up a knock playing for Portugal at the World Cup.
That left Sweden’s Victor Lindelof as their only fit and available senior centre-back, supported by highly-rated youngster Rhys Bennett, recently promoted to the first-team setup along with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Midfielder Casemiro partnered Lindelof at centre-back for the 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Burnley at Old Trafford last week, with Bennett an unused substitute.
However, such measures should not be necessary again with Maguire set to be fit to face Nottingham Forest tomorrow evening.
“We had some problems with illness like Harry Maguire, but he was back on the training pitch today so I’m happy with that,’’ Ten Hag said.
“Returning from Rapha Varane and Licha Martinez, they are not there [back at United] but we hope on their comeback [soon].”
On the comebacks of the rest of his World Cup contingent, the Dutchman added: “The feeling is good. The players from the World Cup are back, are integrated again and you feel they are excited.
''[They had] massive impressions there [in Qatar], but now they are back, and you feel their energy. They are looking forward to the restart [of the Premier League].”
