Andre Onana injury: Will the Man Utd goalkeeper be fit to face Everton?

Andre Onana is an injury doubt heading into Manchester United’s Premier League clash against Everton this weekend.

The goalkeeper was replaced in the latter stages of Cameroon’s 3-0 win over Mauritius on Friday due to a back injury and it was subsequently confirmed that he has returned to Manchester, meaning Onana will miss Tuesday’s game against Libya.

His withdrawal has led to suggestions the ex-Inter Milan and Ajax stopper could be forced to sit out the Red Devils’ trip to Goodison Park on Sunday, but the Mirror have reported that the ‘injury is not as bad as first feared’ and claim he should be available for this weekend's game. The outlet add Onana’s substitution was taken as a ‘precaution’.

Meanwhile, ESPN state the 27-year-old is ‘hopeful’ of being fit for the clash with the Toffees. “The goalkeeper will undergo medical tests with United staff this week before a decision is made about whether he is available to face Everton,” they add.

Should Onana miss out, Altay Bayindir could be handed his United debut. The goalkeeper arrived from Fenerbahce for a fee of £4.3m on transfer deadline day, but has yet to make an appearance for the club. Tom Heaton is another option, but Bayindir is Erik ten Hag’s preferred choice behind Onana.

Despite a difficult start to his career at Old Trafford, Onana’s form has markedly improved in recent weeks. United’s no.24 kept clean sheets in the last two Premier League matches before the international break, against Fulham and Luton Town, and made an injury-time penalty save in last month’s Champions League win over Copenhagen. Onana has also avoided any high-profile errors in the last few games, the sort which blighted his early performances after signing for United in the summer.

As well as Onana’s injury concern, Ten Hag is expected to be without Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund for Sunday’s game, with Tyrell Malacia and Amad also doubts.