Manchester United go into the international break still faced with a lenghty injury list.
Erik ten Hag’s side produced a dramatic turnaround against Brentford over the weekend to lift the mood somewhat and pick up a victory that ensures they do not spend the next two weeks in the bottom half of the table.
Defensive injuries have been a painful theme so far this season, with United particularly struggling to find full-back options as the likes of Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia all remain unavailable.
Here’s a look at the latest United injury news...
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to fix a metatarsal injury.
The defender aggravated the issue that he first suffered last season and faces up to three months out, meaning a return before the end of the year is unlikely.
“That’s really sad, disappointing news. He has to go through the same process and I’m really sorry for him,” Ten Hag said.
“The squad will miss him. As you know, we have more injuries, so we always have to deal with it as a squad. As a club, we have to deal with injuries.
“He has to be strong. He will fight back, I’m sure. He is a character. There is still a long season ahead and he will be fit.
Potential return date: January 2024
Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane missed yet another match through injury as he was ruled out of Brentford’s visit to Old Trafford, meaning he has only started four Premier League games so far this season.
However, Ten Hag insisted the issue was a “minor” one, and Varane is set to be involved when club football resumes in a fortnight.
“He couldn’t make the game, he had a minor issue,” Ten Hag of Varane’s absence against Brentford.
“If it was two or three days later he could have made it but now it was too short.”
Potential return date: Saturday October 21 2023 vs Sheffield United
Luke Shaw
A muscle injury has kept Luke Shaw out since the second match of the season, with it reported at the end of August that the left-back was set to miss ten weeks.
That would mean a potential return in November, with United potentially easing him back into action towards the end of the month after the international break.
Potential return date: Saturday November 25 2023 vs Everton
Sergio Reguilon
Brought in to fill in for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, Sergio Reguilon added to club’s injury woes by missing the last three games himself.
The full-back was close to returning from his muscle injury against Brentford, before United ultimately opted against risking him. He is expected to be fully fit for the trip to face Sheffield United.
Potential return date: Saturday October 21 2023 vs Sheffield United
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been out of action since United’s defeat at home to Brighton last month, when he came on for the final few minutes and picked up a hamstring injury.
That was expected to keep him out for up to two months, meaning he could have to wait until after the November international break to make his return to first-team action.
Potential return date: Saturday November 25 2023 vs Everton
Tyrell Malacia
Injury has prevented Tyrell Malacia from playing a single minute so far this campaign, having missed the club’s pre-season tour to the USA too.
Ten Hag said ahead of the new season that the unspecified injury would take “some time” to recover from, but no update has since been given and the timeline for his return remains uncertain.
Potential return date: Unknown
Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo is closing in on returning from the ankle injury that has kept him out for the first couple of months of the season.
The teenager was back in first-team training ahead of recent matches against Galatasaray and Brentford, meaning he should be in contention after the international break.
Potential return date: Saturday October 21 2023 vs Sheffield United
Amad Diallo
There could be a further boost for United with the fitness of Amad Diallo, as the 21-year-old continues his recovery from a knee injury.
He picked up the injury against Arsenal in pre-season and has not featured since, but reports suggest Diallo could make his return to training after the international break and offer United another option in wide areas.
