Manchester United are getting players back from injury at a key time in the campaign.
The Red Devils have been dealing with all manner of fitness issues throughout the season, but, much to the delight of head coach Ruben Amorim, their list of absentees is no longer in double figures.
This is because Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro both returned to action immediately after the first international break of the year, whilst Luke Shaw was an unused substitute in the goalless draw against Manchester City on Sunday.
Shaw’s availability will be crucial in an extremely busy month for Amorim’s side, whose trip Carabao Cup winners Newcastle at St James’ Park is sandwiched between their crunch two-legged Europa League quarter-final tie against Lyon.
With Amorim allaying fears over Maguire’s substitution in the Manchester derby, here is all the latest on the Manchester United injuries, including updates on the likes of Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo and Ayden Heaven.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt was ruled out of the Manchester derby after picking up a knock in the loss to Forest.
The Dutchman is now a major doubt for the trip to France, with Amorim not able to confirm a return date.
“Matta, he has an injury. Let's see how long it is going to take,” the United boss said to MUTV before the derby draw.
Potential return date: Unknown
Amad Diallo
The unexpected star of another tough season for United was initially feared lost for the remainder of the campaign after damaging ankle ligaments during a training session last month.
However, his initial recovery has been swift and he has hinted at an early return on social media, with Amorim himself recently revealing that he now hoped Amad would play again before the summer.
“He’s doing quite well,” Amorim said. “We hope to have him before the season is finished.
“We'll see, but he's anxious to play, so we are waiting for him.”
Potential return date: May
Kobbie Mainoo
England midfielder Mainoo has not played since the 2-1 FA Cup win over Leicester on February 7, having sustained a muscle issue that was expected to keep him sidelined for around six weeks.
Mainoo has returned to full training and Amorim confirmed after the Man City game that he could be in the squad to face Lyon.
“Kobbie Mainoo is training with us, we want to be careful, again, with our players, but maybe he’s going to be in our squad,” Amorim said.
Potential return date: Thursday April 10, vs Lyon (A)
Ayden Heaven
United’s teenage January signing from Arsenal had stepped up impressively to deputise in the first team amid a slew of injuries, featuring against Fulham, Arsenal and Real Sociedad before being stretchered off with a nasty-looking foot injury early in the second half of the 3-0 victory at Leicester on March 16.
Amorim said afterwards that Heaven did not know how to explain what he was feeling, making it difficult to determine a potential timeline without further assessment. The 18-year-old left the King Power Stadium without crutches but with his right foot in a protective boot.
However, it has proved to not be too serious injury, and Heaven will play again this season if there are no setbacks in his recovery.
"It was not so serious," Amorim said. "He is recovering, [he is] not ready to play, but he will return this season for sure."
Potential return date: April
Lisandro Martinez
The Argentine defender has undergone surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered against Crystal Palace on February 2. He will not play again this season.
Potential return date: Summer 2025
Jonny Evans
Experienced defender last played (and scored) in the Carabao Cup defeat by Tottenham on December 19.
Evans has been dealing with a lingering back issue, and Amorim has confirmed only that he is “recovering”.
Potential return date: Unknown
