Fernandes, Rashford, Martinez: Man Utd injury list & expected return dates ahead of Newcastle clash

Manchester United head into their final two games of the Premier League campaign knowing that anything other than a perfect record could have disastrous consequences for their hopes of playing European football next season. The Red Devils currently lie eighth in the table, three points adrift of Chelsea and Newcastle United above them, and with a markedly worse goal difference to consider too.

Erik ten Hag’s men face Newcastle on Wednesday night in a certifiable six-pointer that could hold huge significance for both teams. Man United will then travel to face Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

But how are they likely to line up in those two matches? We’ve taken a closer look at their latest injury list, as well as any expected return dates where possible, below...

Harry Maguire

Maguire is currently sidelined with a muscle injury that was initially expected to keep him out for around three weeks when diagnosed earlier this month. If that timeline still applies, he could be back in time to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25th.

Tyrell Malacia

The Dutchman has endured a miserable campaign on the injury front, and the expectation now is that he will not feature again in any of United’s remaining fixtures. Instead, Malacia will be aiming to successfully work through as much of preseason as possible in preparation for next term.

Luke Shaw

Shaw continues to battle against a lingering thigh injury. Speaking last week, Ten Hag said: 'Luke had a setback in his process as well, but there is still a hope, and he will fight to be available for the [FA Cup] final.'

Raphael Varane

Having confirmed his exit from the club this summer, the hope surrounding Varane is that he will back in time to face Brighton on Sunday, and then to play in the FA Cup final next weekend. Speaking on Tuesday, Ten Hag said: 'We plan [for] him. Definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow, but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game [in the FA Cup final].'

Amad Diallo

Diallo picked up a knock to his knee in the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal over the weekend, and will face a late assessment ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Newcastle. Speaking in the aftermath of Sunday’s loss, Ten Hag said: 'Obviously, it's a knock. We have to see tomorrow what it is.'

Anthony Martial

At this stage, there is every possibility that we have seen the last of Martial in a Manchester United shirt. Sunday’s game against Brighton is not entirely out of the question, nor is the FA Cup final, but nothing is concrete at this stage.

Victor Lindelof

Likewise, Lindelof faces a precarious future at Old Trafford, but unlike Martial, seems to be categorically ruled out for the remainder of the campaign due to a thigh complaint.

Lisandro Martinez

In better news, Martinez looks to be on the cusp of making his return for United against Newcastle. Speaking on Tuesday, Ten Hag said: 'Licha, I think he will return in the squad. He has now [had] some sessions with us, and we plan for him to be available. This afternoon, [if] everything goes right in the training, he will return in the squad.'

Marcus Rashford

The England international is set to undergo a late fitness test before a decision is made on his inclusion against Newcastle and Brighton. Addressing his current situation, as well as those of Bruno Fernandes and Willy Kambwala, Ten Hag said: 'For some other players, we have to see. [Marcus] Rashford, Bruno [Fernandes], Willy Kambwala, if they are fit enough.'

Bruno Fernandes

As mentioned above, Fernandes will face a late fitness test as he struggles with a hand injury.

Willy Kambwala

Kambwala was fit enough to make the bench against Arsenal, but will be assessed having made a cameo in Sunday’s defeat.

Mason Mount

And finally, Mount is also set for a stint on the treatment table, although it is not yet clear exactly how long he will be out for. Speaking on Friday, Ten Hag said: ‘I have to report that, unfortunately, yesterday, Mason Mount fell out [of contention]. So, he will not be available for Sunday.'