November 08, (THEWILL) – Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag, has admitted that key players, Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez, are unlikely to return from injury before Christmas.
The Brazilian suffered a hamstring injury during last week’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle, while the Argentine defender, recently underwent foot surgery. Ten Hag confirmed both face a race against time to feature again this calendar year.
“I have some time schedules, but it’s difficult to predict as they can get setbacks,” the Dutchman explained. “I expect some [players] back, but Casemiro and Martinez have really strong injuries. I don’t expect them back before Christmas.”
![Glo](https://thewillnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/1DCBF06E-9909-45B3-A410-C59E2E467192.gif)
Their continued absence leaves United light in midfield and defence. However, Ten Hag provided positive updates on Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire. The forward is fully fit after a knock in training, while the defender showed no ill effects from a weekend head injury.
United face FC Copenhagen in the UEFA Champions League tonight. While the manager aims to guide his injury-hit squad through a busy period, the prognoses for Casemiro and Martinez dampen hopes of a full-strength XI any time soon.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.