Martinez, Casemiro, & Mount: Man Utd injury list & expected return dates ahead of Nottingham Forest clash

Manchester United will be aiming to spread some more festive cheer for their supporters when they take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday. The Red Devils came from two goals behind to beat high-flying Aston Villa in a dramatic 3-2 victory on Boxing Day, with summer signing Rasmus Hojlund scoring his first ever top flight goal to seal the three points.

For their part, Forest put in a dazzling display to overcome Newcastle United at St. James' Park, with Chris Wood bagging a hat-trick against his former side to hand Nuno Espirito Santo a first win of his fledgling tenure. It was also the first time that Forest had won in the Premier League since Bonfire Night, when they beat Aston Villa.

But while United will be quietly confident of their chances at the City Ground on Saturday, they will head into the fixture without a number of injured first team stars. With that in mind, here is the Red Devils' full injury list, and their expected return dates.

Tyrell Malacia - Knee

Malacia has been sidelined for an age, but could be in line to make his return sooner rather than later, according to his manager. Speaking at the beginning of December, Erik ten Hag said: 'So, Ty Malacia, he had surgery, and he will return in quite short notice. I think, from the new year on, he can be available.' With that in mind, a comeback in the first half of January could be a possibility.

Lisandro Martinez - Foot

United have been without Martinez for an extended period due to a foot injury, but the Argentine is closing in on a return to action in the coming weeks, according to his manager. When speaking about the defender and fellow South American Casemiro recently, Ten Hag said: 'They are not available before Christmas. Mid-January, we expect them back.'

Casemiro - Thigh

The Brazilian midfielder has been sidelined since the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United in early November, but as mentioned above, is expected to be back at roughly the same point in time as Martinez.

Mason Mount - Calf

Mount has endured a rocky start to his Manchester United career, and is still yet to properly find his rhythm at Old Trafford. Injuries have not helped his cause in that regard, with a calf complaint proving to be the latest stumbling block keeping him on the treatment table. There is a brighter news on the horizon, however, with Ten Hag stating: 'Mason is similar [to Casemiro and Martinez]. Into January.'

Victor Lindelof - Groin

United have more than their fair share of defensive injury woes at the present moment in time, with Lindelof joining the lengthy list of absentees after undergoing groin surgery this month. Addressing the Swede's stint on the sidelines, his manager said: 'Victor is not available. He has done surgery, so he will be out for a couple of weeks.' The centre-back should be back in action next month.

Harry Maguire - Groin

Another defensive injury, Maguire had been enjoying something of a renaissance prior to sustaining a groin injury against Bayern Munich partway through December. The England international is expected to miss the entire festive period, but should be available again shortly after the new year.

Anthony Martial - Virus

There had been some suggestions that Martial could return from illness in time to face Aston Villa on Boxing Day, but ultimately he missed out on Ten Hag's match day squad. With that in mind, it is not unreasonable to assume that he could be in contention to face Nottingham Forest.

Amad Diallo - Knee

After sustaining a serious knee injury during preseason, Diallo has been sidelined during the first part of the current campaign. He is, however, nearing a return to action, and has been pictured in training in recent weeks. Whether United decide to keep him at the club or send him out on loan in January remains to be seen.

Luke Shaw - Minor injury

Shaw was a shock omission from United's squad against Aston Villa, and as yet, there is no indication as to whether or not he will be fit enough to face Forest at the weekend.

Sofyan Amrabat - Minor injury

As with Shaw, Amrabat was also unexpectedly left out of United's plans on Boxing Day, and it is unclear whether or not he will be available against Forest.