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Evening Standard
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Tashan Deniran-Alleyne

Manchester United injury update: Benjamin Sesko, Lisandro Martinez, Patrick Dorgu latest news and return dates

Latest: Benjamin Sesko, Lisandro Martinez and Patrick Dorgu - (Getty Images)

Manchester United are still over a week away from returning to action.

It is well documented that Man United are dealing with a very limited fixture schedule this season partly because of no European football having finished 15th in the Premier League last season and losing the Europa League final.

Furthermore, defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round means there will be a 24-day gap between Man Utd drawing with Bournemouth before the international break and hosting bitter rivals Leeds at Old Trafford.

United will be playing last during the next round of Premier League fixtures, meaning they will be responding to results of fellow Champions League contenders such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Head coach Michael Carrick will be without the suspended Harry Maguire against Leeds but could be boosted by the return of Lisandro Martinez after a five-game absence, while Patrick Dorgu shouldn't be too far off making a comeback.

Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko did both withdraw from international duty, allowing them a chance to rest ongoing niggles, while Noussair Mazraoui has recovered from illness.

With that in mind, here’s the latest Manchester United injury news and potential return dates...

Bryan Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo withdrew from international duty with Cameroon as a “precaution”, according to his club.

The forward played 71 minutes as United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth.

Minor knock: Bryan Mbeumo (Action Images via Reuters)

There remains little concern over Mbeumo’s fitness moving forward, with BBC Sport reporting that the player is expected to be fit to face Leeds following the international break.

Potential return date: Monday April 13, vs Leeds (H)

Benjamin Sesko

It is a slightly different picture with Benjamin Sesko, who also withdrew from international duty.

The striker has been in fine form for United of late, largely as a substitute, having scored eight goals in his last 11 games.

But he played no part for Slovenia, who lost to Hungary but beat Montenegro during the international window, due to an ongoing issue “that United have been carefully managing throughout recent weeks”.

BBC Sport again report that Sesko is currently expected to face Leeds on April 13, with the decision to skip Slovenia duty an opportunity for the striker to “fully recover” from the niggling issue.

Potential return date: Monday April 13, vs Leeds (H)

Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt’s has now been sidelined for almost four months to the date.

The Dutch central defender suffered a lower back injury as United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on November 30, with then-manager Ruben Amorim initially promising a swift comeback.

However, he is yet to return to full first team training.

Matthijs de Ligt is yet to make a Man United matchday squad under Michael Carrick (Getty Images)

Carrick, though, is concerned De Ligt will miss the remainder of the season.

In a fresh update before the Bournemouth draw, Carrick said: "He's obviously trying to work towards getting back, but it's just the back issue really that's proving difficult.

"We'll keep working as hard as we can to get him back as quick as we can."

Potential return date: Unknown

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez has not featured for Man United since the 1-1 draw against West Ham as he suffered a small injury ahead of trip to face Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium at the end of February.

The Argentina international has subsequently missed the last five games, thus affording Leny Yoro an extended run in the team at centre-back alongside Maguire.

With Maguire set to serve a suspension after being sent-off against Bournemouth, Martinez’s return against Leeds would be timely especially with De Ligt still absent.

"[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He's getting there, so after this one. I think he'll be alright,” Carrick said.

Potential return date: Monday April 13, vs Leeds (H)

Noussair Mazraoui

Noussair Mazraoui was not named in the Manchester United matchday squad against Bournemouth due to illness, with his place on the bench going to youngster Tyler Fredricson.

However, he has recovered in time to join up with Morocco and played 82 minutes against Ecuador before being rested against Paraguay, so should be available to face Leeds.

Potential return date: Monday April 13, vs Leeds (H)

Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu was in fine form during Michael Carrick's first two games, impressing off the left and scoring a stunning goal a 3-2 win over Arsenal which was on the back of netting in the Manchester derby.

However, the outing at the Emirates Stadium ended on a sour note as he pulled his hamstring while chasing after a ball over the top.

Speaking on Dorgu’s injury, Carrick said: “Pat, unfortunately, is going to be out for a period of time. We are still working through how long that is going to be.

“It’s disappointing because he has had such a big couple of weeks. We weren't sure if it was a little bit of cramp or if it was something more serious.

Sidelined: Patrick Dorgu (Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

“At the moment, it is looking a little bit more of a serious note. A few weeks out. How many weeks? We will have to wait and see.

“It is disappointing for all of us and Pat, he is in such a good place but unfortunately it is part of football and something you have got to work through and get him back as soon as we can.”

Should the ten week prognosis prove accurate, Dorgu could be in contention to return against Leeds.

Potential return date: Monday April 13, vs Leeds (H)

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