Manchester United is facing a challenging period with multiple key players sidelined due to injuries. As they prepare for their upcoming game against Everton, the team’s depth and resilience are being tested. Here’s a detailed look at the current injury situation and its impact on the squad:
Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has been plagued by injury issues throughout the season and is now set to miss an extended period due to a muscle injury. His absence is a significant blow to United’s defensive options, and no specific return date has been provided.
Rasmus Hojlund
Rasmus Hojlund, the star striker, is out with a muscle injury and is expected to be sidelined until after the international break in March. Erik ten Hag mentioned that it’s a small injury, with a recovery time of two to three weeks, but the high-intensity nature of the game and training has taken its toll.
Casemiro
Casemiro recently suffered a clash of heads during a match against Fulham but was able to play in the subsequent FA Cup game against Nottingham Forest. There is no mention of him being unavailable for the upcoming game against Everton, indicating that he may be fit to play.
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez has been dealing with consistent injury problems and is expected to be out until April. Ten Hag expressed that it’s a big setback, but he is confident that Martinez will return stronger by the end of the season.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire’s return to form has been interrupted by an unspecified injury. While there was hope for his return against Everton on March 9, the exact date of his comeback remains uncertain.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been out with an unspecified injury and is expected to return sometime in March or April. Ten Hag previously indicated that Wan-Bissaka was still some weeks away from a return.
Anthony Martial
Anthony Martial’s future at the club is uncertain as he is out of contract this summer. He is currently recovering from groin surgery, and no return date has been set, raising doubts about whether he will play for the club again.
Impact on the Team
The absence of these players poses a considerable challenge for Manchester United. Shaw’s injury leaves a gap in the left-back position, while Hojlund’s absence deprives the team of a key attacking option. Martinez’s defensive prowess will be missed, and Maguire’s uncertain return date adds to the defensive concerns. Wan-Bissaka’s injury limits options at right-back, and Martial’s prolonged absence affects the team’s attacking depth.
Expected Return Dates
- Rasmus Hojlund: Potentially March 16 against Sheffield United.
- Lisandro Martinez: Expected early April.
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Possibly March 9 against Everton or March 17 against Liverpool.
- Harry Maguire: Return date unknown, pending further updates.
- Luke Shaw: No specific return date, facing an extended period out.
- Anthony Martial: Return date unknown, recovery from groin surgery.
The team will need to rely on the depth of their squad and the tactical acumen of Erik ten Hag to navigate this period. The recovery status and return dates of these players will be closely monitored, as their availability could be crucial for the team’s ambitions in the Premier League and other competitions.
