Yahoo News Manchester United injury list and return dates ahead of FA Cup semi-final vs Coventry
Coventry City face Manchester United at Wembley this weekend with a place up for grabs in the FA Cup final.
The Sky Blues will be only too aware of the task ahead - but will feel confident against a troubled United side struggling for form and consistency.
United are set to assess the fitness of key players before the game with Erik ten Hag's side plagued by injuries this season, and Ten Hag is faced with the task of rallying his depleted side once more. Key figures such as Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Scott McTominay were notable absentees during the 2-2 stalemate with Bournemouth last Saturday.
With a potential FA Cup final against either Manchester City or Chelsea on the horizon, United approach the semi-final tie with Coventry on the back of a four-game winless streak. Below we delve into Ten Hag's injury woes and when we might expect nine of United's sidelined stars to make their comebacks....
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Raphael Varane.
Injury: Muscular.
Club statement: United have announced that the World Cup-winning defender is expected to be sidelined for 'a few weeks' following a muscle injury picked up in the thrilling 4-3 loss to Chelsea on April 4.
Expected comeback: May 2024.
Victor Lindelof.
Injury: Hamstring.
Club statement: The Swedish centre-back is set to miss "at least a month" after sustaining a hamstring injury during the 1-1 draw at Brentford on March 30.
Expected comeback: May 2024.
Jonny Evans.
Injury: Muscular.
The club is eyeing a potential return for the defender on April 21 against Coventry City.
Lisandro Martinez is sidelined with a calf injury, and the Red Devils have announced that the World Cup winner is expected to be out 'for at least a month' following a muscle injury he picked up in the stalemate at Brentford. His potential return could be in May 2024.
Luke Shaw is also on the treatment table with a thigh problem. Manager Erik ten Hag, speaking on March 29, said, "I expect him back, I think before the end of the season. That's the plan and he's still on schedule for this. He will return into our team."
Tyrell Malacia's recovery from a knee injury has been plagued by setbacks, as Ten Hag noted on February 15: "He had setbacks during his rehab process. It takes too long, it's bad for him. Bad for us. But now we've turned a point, and it's positive, he will return soon on the pitch. I don't think then it will take long before he's returning in the team training."
A specific date for Malacia's return remains to be confirmed (TBC).
Scott McTominay is another name on the casualty list with a knee issue. On April 12, Ten Hag expressed doubts about McTominay's availability for the Bournemouth game, saying, "Scott, I don't think [he will be ready to play Bournemouth]. We have a training session, so we have a day, he will push, he's so keen to be a part of it [against Bournemouth], so it's very questionable."
However, there's hope for McTominay to be fit for the April 21 clash with Coventry City.
Anthony Martial is dealing with a groin injury, with further details on his condition awaited.
*What Ten Hag has said (April 12):* "I don't know [if he will play again for United before leaving this summer]. He's still with the medical [team]. He's out on the pitch but if he will be available I don't know."
*Potential return date:* TBC.
Harry Maguire
*What Ten Hag has said (April 13):* "One thing was Harry Maguire had an issue in the first half [at Bournemouth] and for us he overcame [it]. During the game, he recovered from it and you see in the second half, he was up there and then he can express his leadership, he can express his defending qualities and his [ability] on the ball. ".
*Potential return date:* April 21 vs Coventry City.
