Manchester United could be in for a significant boost as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest next Tuesday, with several key players potentially making their return. The Red Devils managed to secure a victory against Leicester City in their last Premier League outing despite having nine players out due to injury and Patrick Dorgu suspended.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Harry Maguire, who was not risked in the Leicester win nine days ago, is expected to make his comeback after being sidelined for four weeks. Ruben Amorim is also optimistic about Kobbie Mainoo's return following a two-month absence due to a muscle injury. The availability of other players for the Forest game will depend on how they fare in training this week.
Ayden Heaven, who had been wearing a protective boot after sustaining an injury at Leicester, is now out of it and may join training when United's international players return.
Tom Heaton, United's back-up goalkeeper, is hopeful of regaining fitness in time for United's April fixtures.
The club was nearly forced to start academy goalkeeper Dermot Mee against Leicester after Andre Onana suffered an eye issue the day before the game.
Mason Mount marked his return from a lengthy hiatus to boost United's bench in the recent King Power Stadium showdown and could return to the pitch at the City Ground.
Meanwhile, Dorgu is gearing up to rejoin the squad after serving a three-match suspension due to a red card against Ipswich Town.
Leny Yoro, who missed the victories against Leicester and Real Sociedad due to a foot injury, is also on the mend.
Altay Bayindir, United's back-up goalkeeper, has been out injured for nearly two months with no sign of an imminent comeback.
However, Amorim revealed before the March break that Luke Shaw will soon make his return to action.
The injury-stricken last featured in the starting line-up over a year ago and has been sidelined with a troublesome hamstring for four months.
Despite hopes being dashed by a January setback, the 29-year-old defender appears poised for his first minutes in months as early as April.
United are experiencing a peculiarly extensive 16-day break as the FA Cup quarter-finals signal a halt to regular league play this coming weekend.
Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui, Manuel Ugarte, and Victor Lindelof remain engaged with national duties and are set to represent their countries on Tuesday night.
Dorgu, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Bruno Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Matthijs de Ligt wrapped up their commitments with Nations League outings on Sunday.
This article was first published on the Manchester Evening News