Manchester United could be without as many as four players for Sunday’s Premier League clash against West Ham United at Old Trafford.
Erik Ten Hag’s side, fresh from their dramatic 4-3 win at Molineux on Thursday, know victory against the Hammers could move them to within four points of fourth-place Tottenham Hotspur. However, it could prove to be a challenging afternoon for Ten Hag, who is set to be without a series of regular United first-teamers as the club’s injury problems continue to mount.
As expected, Anthony Martial will play no part in United’s next Premier League match as he continues to recover from surgery he had on a groin issue last month.
At this stage, no timeline has been placed on when the Frenchman could return to action at Old Trafford and – with his contract expiring in the summer – it is therefore unsure if he will ever appear for the Reds again.
Providing an update on his condition last month, Ten Hag said: “Anthony has completed successful surgery to address a groin complaint and will be out of action for about ten weeks as he rehabilitates.”
Meanwhile, Mason Mount and Tyrell Malacia – plagued with injuries this term – have both made sizeable steps in their road to recovery in recent weeks by training on the grass at Carrington.
However, given the extensive lay-offs both players have endured, they are likely to be phased back into action under Ten Hag, with neither expected to feature against West Ham this weekend. Aaron Wan Bissaka is also expected to miss out.
Lisandro Martinez was seen having his foot strapped up after being substituted against Wolves, but Erik ten Hag said afterwards that it was a precautionary measure.
Though there could be a fitness boost for United this weekend with Sofyan Amrabat and Victor Lindelof in line for returns at Old Trafford.
United loanee Amrabat has not featured since December’s stalemate at Anfield due to injury and Africa Cup of Nations participation with Morocco but Ten Hag confirmed the midfielder will take part in training on Saturday and could be involved.
As well as Amrabat, United could also welcome back Lindelof, who has been sidelined since December after undergoing groin surgery.
