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.”
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.
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.