Erik ten Hag provides injury latest on three Man Utd players ahead of Aston Villa clash

Erik ten Hag has provided an injury update on Manchester United's squad ahead of Sunday’s Premier League game against Aston Villa.

The Red Devils were without four players for last weekend’s win over West Ham United, with Anthony Martial the only long-term absentee. The striker set to be out until April after undergoing groin surgery last month, and Lisandro Martinez is also expected to return around the same time.

The defender picked up a medial collateral ligament injury last week and United confirmed on Monday the problem will keep him out for at least eight weeks.

Speaking on Thursday, ahead of the trip to Villa Park, Ten Hag revealed his disappointment at the fresh injury. "It is a setback, of course. Licha was just returning.

"You see his contribution to the team when he is playing, so he brings, apart from his technical skills, also a mentality in the team. It is a big setback for Licha, he is very disappointed but he is a fighter and he will back, he will be back stronger."

Elsewhere, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount missed the West Ham game last weekend but are closing in on returns. Yet, Ten Hag confirmed none of the trio will be back in time for Sunday's game.

"Aaron Wan-Bissaka, today, was training but then he dropped out," the Dutchman said. "So I don't know, in this moment, where he is and what is the diagnosis. Hopefully, he is not too bad. And Mason and Ty are not ready to return to the squad."

As for Villa, Unai Emery confirmed on Tuesday that Ezri Konsa will miss Sunday’s game with a knee injury, but fellow defender Pau Torres could return to face United.

The Villans, who are eight points clear of Ten Hag's side in the table, have suffered a downturn in form of late and have lost the last two home matches against Newcastle United and Chelsea. However, the Midlands club did beat Sheffield United 5-0 in their last Premier League outing.