All the very latest on the Man United injury front ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford.
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From left to right, a three-image collage displays vertical images of Ayden Heaven, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad, each of whom are wearing Manchester United's home kit.
Manchester United's injury situation is showing signs of easing.(Image: Getty Images.)
Following Tuesday night's 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, focus immediately switches to Sunday's Manchester derby against City at Old Trafford for Manchester United.
United were undone on the banks of the Trent by a fifth-minute goal by former winger Anthony Elanga, who carried the ball from inside his own half before firing past Andre Onana.
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To United's credit, their performance was a lot better than the result suggested, with Ruben Amorim's side worthy of at least a point based on the number of chances they created. Nevertheless, they can ill-afford to dwell on what might have been, with Sunday's derby now their main focus.
Ahead of the visit of Pep Guardiola's side to Old Trafford, here is all the very latest on the United injury front...
Ayden Heaven
Injury: unknown
Heaven was forced off shortly after half-time in United's win at Leicester City prior to the international break after a coming together with Foxes attacker Patson Daka. He had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher before later leaving the stadium wearing a protective boot.
But as reported by the Manchester Evening News during the recent hiatus, the injury is understood not to have been as serious as first feared. It is also understood he is out of the protective boot.
Although Amorim has not been able to offer a clear indic.ation of when he will next be available, he is adamant he will play again this season.
Speaking on Monday, Amorim said: "[Heaven] was not so serious. He's recovering, he's not ready to play but he's going to return this season, for sure."
Possible return date: unknown.
Matthijs de Ligt
Injury: ankle
Fellow centre-back De Ligt turned his ankle in the closing stages of the first half of the defeat at Forest, sparking fears he could be the latest United centre-back to be heading for the treatment table. However, he was able to complete the full 90 minutes, easing such fears.
Matthijs de Ligt in action at the City Ground.
Matthijs de Ligt completed the game against Nottingham Forest.(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
He later left the City Ground limping, but insisted he was okay, suggesting he should be available for the clash with City this weekend.
Possible return date: April 6 (Manchester City H).
Lisandro Martinez
Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
Martinez is a long-term absentee after rupturing his ACL in United's 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the start of February. He underwent successful surgery and is continuing with his recovery.
United have not put a specific timeframe on how long he will be out for, but he will not play again this season. ACL injuries usually take around six months to fully recover from.
Possible return date: August.
Jonny Evans
Injury: muscle
Evans has missed United's last 19 matches with a muscle issue he suffered back in December. He was last in the matchday squad when United lost 2-0 to Wolves at Molineux on Boxing Day.
He last made an appearance when United lost 4-3 to Spurs in the Carabao Cup on December 19. Amorim said earlier this week that the experienced Northern Irishman is "recovering".
Possible return date: unknown.
Luke Shaw
Injury: muscle
Shaw has been absent since the beginning of December. His recovery from his latest muscle issue was going well until he suffered a fresh setback after making a brief return to training at the end of January.
Luke Shaw in action for Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Luke Shaw's wait for a comeback is still ongoing.(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images.)
He was filmed back in training last Friday, offering encouragement he may have been available for the clash with Forest, but Amorim confirmed in his pre-match press conference that he is still "not ready" to make his comeback.
Amorim said: "Luke is not ready yet. We are starting to do some drills with the team but we are building Luke."
Possible return date: unknown.
Kobbie Mainoo
Injury: unknown
Mainoo suffered an unspecified injury ahead of United's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in February and Amorim said he expected to be without the England ace for "weeks". There has always been confidence he could return at some point in April and Amorim's latest update suggested that could be the case.
"Kobbie is almost returning but he is not ready for this game [vs Forest]," said Amorim on Monday.
Possible return date: April.
Amad
Injury: ankle
United lost Amad to an ankle injury prior to the defeat at Tottenham and Amorim admitted he expected to be without him for the rest of the season.
However, speaking after the draw with Real Sociedad in Spain last month, Amorim revealed he could be back in the latter stages of the campaign, offering encouragement he could still have a part to play this term.
Amorim said: "Even Amad, we will see in the end of the last month. I don't want to say anything but I have the hope to have Amad before the end of the season."
Possible return date: May.
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