Need to know
Manchester United saw three players depart for the Africa Cup of Nations after their 4-4 home draw to Bournemouth in the Premier League
Bryan Mbeumo
Bryan Mbeumo has joined Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations
(Image: AP)
Everything you need to know about Manchester United's injuries and Africa Cup of Nations return dates...
Key injuries
Harry Maguire (defender) is currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury he sustained, which has kept him out of recent matches. His potential return is estimated to be around Boxing Day (December 26, 2025), aiming for the fixture against Newcastle United.
Matthijs de Ligt (defender) has been dealing with a lower back injury, and his availability for the next match against Aston Villa remains uncertain. Manager Ruben Amorim is unsure if the defender will be fit in time, but his return is provisionally eyed for late December.
AFCON absences and return dates
Three absences: Manchester United have lost three key players to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which runs from December 21 to January 18. Those players are Noussair Mazraoui (Morocco), Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast), and Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon).
Potential return: All three players are expected to be available for selection again on January 19, 2026, assuming their nations do not reach the semi-finals or final, which could extend their absence. Their earliest possible return to the club is projected to be around January 4, 2026, if their teams exit at the group stage.
Confirmed missed fixtures
Number of fixtures: United could be without Noussair Mazraoui, Amad, and Bryan Mbeumo for up to five fixtures. This assumes a maximum period of absence due to deep runs in the competition.
Sunday, December 21: Aston Villa (A) (Premier League): This match falls on the official start date of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. All three players - Mazraoui, Amad, and Mbeumo - will be with their national teams and unavailable for selection.
Friday, December 26: Newcastle United (H) (Premier League): This is the traditional Boxing Day fixture, and the players will be fully engaged with their AFCON group stage preparations or early matches. This is a crucial home match during the busy festive period that the squad will have to navigate without them.
Tuesday, December 30: Wolverhampton Wanderers (H) (Premier League): The players will be absent for the final fixture of the calendar year as they compete in the group stage of the tournament. Their absence will further stretch the squad depth during a period of very short rest between games.
Sunday, January 4: Leeds United (A) (Premier League): The New Year begins with a fierce rivalry fixture away from home, which the trio are also confirmed to miss. This is the first of two crucial away games in early January they will be unavailable for due to the tournament.
FA Cup third round fixture vs Brighton & Hove Albion (January 11): They are also expected to miss the Emirates FA Cup Third Round fixture, which is a home tie against Brighton. The players would return just in time for the Premier League fixture against Arsenal on January 25, provided their national teams do not make it to the final.