Martinez, Maguire, and Eriksen: Man Utd injury list & expected return dates ahead of Tottenham clash

Manchester United will be desperate to return to winning ways in the Premier League this weekend, having recorded just one victory in their past five top flight outings. Standing in their way, however, are Tottenham Hotspur, a side who, after a notable blip of their own, have now lost just once in their last five league matches. .

As such, Ange Postecoglou's men look thoroughly revitalised, but will have to make do with something of a threadbare squad at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. A number of injury issues have been compounded by the loss of key talents to both the African Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup, meaning that Spurs will arrive in the North West somewhat beleaguered.

For their part, however, United face a similarly taxing barrage of absences. With that in mind, we've taken a look at the Red Devils' full injury list, plus expected return dates where available, below...

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez had been pencilled in for a January return from an ongoing foot injury, but speaking in a press conference last week, Erik ten Hag suggested that it may end up being the beginning of February before the Argentine is properly ready to be reintegrated into first team action. The United boss said: 'They are a long time back on the grass already, now they have returned to team training. Not fully but partial, and now they have to make the next steps, of course, [that] takes some days, I think even weeks.'

Casemiro

Like Martinez, Casemiro was initially expected to return from a thigh injury this month, and like Martinez, it is now expected that he will be given some extra time to work on his match fitness. The Premier League clash against Wolves on February 1st could be a realistic target.

Mason Mount

After an incredibly frustrating start to his Manchester United career, Mount is nearing a comeback, but, according to his manager, will not be ready in time to face Tottenham at the weekend. Speaking earlier in the week, Ten Hag said: 'I think he needs some days or a week more.' With United facing almost a fortnight without a fixture following Sunday's clash, the midfielder will have to wait until the FA Cup fourth round on January 27th.

Luke Shaw

Shaw may well feature against Spurs at the weekend. Nothing is concrete, and at the time of writing he is still very much under assessment, but Ten Hag has spoken with relative optimism about the full-back's availability in recent days.

Christian Eriksen

Another who could return in time to face Spurs, Eriksen has been suffering from illness, but will be hopeful that he can overcome his complaint in time to feature against his former club.

Harry Maguire

Name-checked by his manager during a discussion on players who could be back in contention against Tottenham, Maguire has been battling a groin issue since mid-December, but looks to be on the cusp of a comeback. Speaking in a press conference, Ten Hag said: 'I think it's hopeful that they can be back at the weekend. So, I'm talking about Christian Eriksen, potentially Luke Shaw. Harry (Maguire) maybe.' The centre-back will face a late fitness test.

Tyrell Malacia

Yet another name in the long list of United's defensive absentees, Malacia is expected to return any time now. The Dutchman has been sidelined with a knee problem for quite some time, but the expectation is that he should feature at some point before the month is through.

Amad Diallo

Having only just made his return from a serious knee injury, Diallo has once again been sidelined by illness in recent days. All being well, he could feature against Spurs, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see him rested for a while longer.

Anthony Martial

As with Diallo, Martial has been struck down by illness in recent weeks. The Frenchman could be back in time for Spurs, but there is a strong likelihood that he will not be.

Antony

Antony missed out on the FA Cup third round victory over Wigan Athletic on Monday due to a tightness in his hamstring, and will face a late assessment ahead of Sunday's clash with Tottenham. There is a relatively high probability that he will not be risked.

Victor Lindelof

The last of United's injury concerns, Lindelof underwent groin surgery back in December, and is still undergoing recovery. There is an outside chance that he features in some capacity against Tottenham, but again, the Swede could be another who has to wait until after the mini winter break before returning to Ten Hag's match day squad.

Sofyan Amrabat

Unlike Andre Onana, who will play for United on Sunday before heading out to the African Cup of Nations just in time for Cameroon's opening fixture the next day, Moroccan teammate Amrabat will not be available this weekend. How long he is away depends wholly on how far the Atlas Lions progress in the tournament.

Jadon Sancho

And finally, with the relationship between Sancho and manager Ten Hag in tatters, the winger will not be in contention on Sunday. Indeed, he might not even be at the club by the time this article falls across your lap. A return to Borussia Dortmund is being heavily touted.