All the very latest on the Man United injury front ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Athletic Bilbao.
Manchester United’s injury situation is improving.(Image: Getty Images.)
Manchester United will be hoping to put one foot in the Europa League final when they face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their semi-final showdown on Thursday night.
United have travelled to the Basque Country with the ambition of progressing to a third Europa League final in nine seasons following their remarkable comeback against Lyon at Old Trafford a fortnight ago.
United need to win the competition to salvage something from what has otherwise been a hugely disappointing campaign and secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Ahead of the tussle with the La Liga outfit, here is all the very latest on the United injury front…
Diogo Dalot
Injury: calf
Ahead of last weekend’s draw at Bournemouth, head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed Dalot had suffered a muscle injury in the 1-0 home defeat to Wolves seven days earlier.
The Portuguese international, who has so often been an ever-present figure this season, will miss United’s upcoming matches, and it currently remains unclear if he will feature again before the end of the campaign.
Amorim, speaking last Friday, said: “He has something in his muscle, his calf, he had a sequence of games, he played all the time, we try to manage but the players play a lot of minutes and not so ready to cope with that. Dalot felt something.
“We don’t know how long he’s going to be out. But he’s out for these next games.”
Possible return date: unknown.
Matthijs de Ligt
Injury: ankle
De Ligt has missed each of United’s last six matches after sustaining an ankle issue in the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest on April 1. He suffered a whack to his ankle in the first half but managed to complete the full 90 minutes.
Matthijs de Ligt could feature against Athletic Bilbao.(Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images.)
However, he has now overcome that setback and could make his return against Bilbao after being included in the 26-man travelling squad. However, neither he or Amad will start against the Spanish side.
“To start, no, but they can be on the squad for the game and the rest of the players,” said Amorim on Wednesday evening.
Possible return date: May 1 (Athletic Bilbao A).
Ayden Heaven
Injury: knock
After missing United’s first three games after the March international break, Heaven was back in the squad against Newcastle United, being named among the substitutes.
However, he has not featured in any of United’s matchday squads since then after suffering a “small setback”, according to club sources.
Issuing an update last week, Amorim said: “Ayden is not ready, so that’s it.”
He has not travelled to Bilbao.
Ayden Heaven remains unavailable.(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images.)
Possible return date: unknown.
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 Old Trafford in February. He soon underwent successful surgery and is well underway with his recovery.
United have not put a specific timeframe on how long he will be out for, but he will not feature again this side of the summer. ACL injuries usually take around six months to fully recover from.
Possible return date: August.
Toby Collyer
Injury: leg
Collyer, earlier this month, suffered an injury that was not described as being serious.
“Toby has a small issue in his leg,” said Amorim, speaking recently. “We hope to have him in a few weeks.”
He was spotted training at Carrington on Wednesday morning, albeit away from the main group, offering signs of encouragement with his ongoing recovery.
Possible return date: unknown.
Amad
Injury: ankle
Amad could feature for the first time in almost three months against Bilbao after successfully recovering from an ankle injury. He last played when United defeated Leicester City in the FA Cup on February 7.
Amad has travelled to Spain for the clash with Athletic Bilbao.(Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images.)
Originally expected to miss the remainder of the season, the Ivorian has made terrific progress with his recovery and could be involved against Bilbao.
He had scored six goals and claimed six assists under Amorim prior to his injury.
Possible return date: May 1 (Athletic Bilbao A).
Joshua Zirkzee
Injury: hamstring.
Zirkzee was forced off with a hamstring injury in United’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United at St James’ Park last month. He pulled up sharply and required medical attention before leaving the pitch.
He was able to walk off the field, but he required help from two members of the United medical team. Unfortunately, he will now miss the remainder of the season.
“Joshua is out for the season, so he’s not going to play any more this season,” Amorim said. “Let’s prepare him for the next one.”
Possible return date: pre-season.
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