Yoro, Ugarte, Maguire: Full Man Utd injury news & expected return dates for 11 players ahead of Real Sociedad

Manchester United are preparing for a big game in their season as they welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford on Thursday night as manager Ruben Amorim held his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. The Red Devils drew 1-1 in the first leg in Spain as Joshua Zirkzee opened the scoring but had his strike cancelled out by Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty after a Bruno Fernandes handball.

With Amorim’s side sat 14th in the Premier League table with 10 games remaining, winning the Europa League is their only realistic chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season. Amorim said of the importance: “We can still reach Champions League, so you never know. It can change the preparation for next season. We have a plan and know what to do. In terms of what type of players to bring in. This competition [Europa League] could change things [selling players] so we are focused on this game."

Amorim is dealing with a big number of injuries currently and was missing several players for the first leg in Spain and for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. The United boss will hope to have a few more options to pick from when Sociedad make the trip to Manchester. Following his pre-match press conference, we run through the latest injury and potential return dates.

Manchester United injury news and expected return dates

Lisandro Martinez: The defender has suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury and is not due to return well into next season.

Expected return date: Next season

Amad Diallo: The forward was initially ruled out for the season when he first picked up a foot injury but Amorim said last week the player could be back before the end of the season. Amorim said last week: “I don’t want to say anything to you but I have the hope to have Amad before [the end of the season], we’ll see.”

Expected return date: v Chelsea, May 18

Luke Shaw: The left-back has dealt with numerous injury issues this season and last week Amorim said the defender could be back before the end of the season, without providing a specific update.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Kobbie Mainoo: The England international has been out since the middle of February after picking up an injury in training. Initial reports claimed he’d be out for around six weeks but Amorim has yet to provide a specific date for his recovery.

Expected return date: v Nottingham Forest, April 1

Mason Mount: The former Chelsea man has not played since the Manchester derby back in December. It is not yet clear when he could return. Injuries have been a constant disruption in his United career so far but the international break should give him more time to recover.

Expected return date: v Nottingham Forest, April 1

Manuel Ugarte: The midfielder has not played since the FA Cup defeat against Fulham. Providing an update on Wednesday, Amorim said he expected to have the player back again.

Expected return date: v Real Sociedad, March 13

Leny Yoro: The young defender was forced off early against Arsenal. Providing an update Amorim said he would not return until after the international break.

Expected return date: v Nottingham Forest, April 1

Harry Maguire: The defender has been absent since the FA Cup loss to Fulham but his injury is only a minor one. However, Thursday’s game is too soon but he is expected back at the weekend.

Expected return date: v Leicester City, March 16

Altay Bayindir: The goalkeeper did not train last week and there is still no specific update on when he might return to action.

Expected return date: Unknown.

Tom Heaton: Heaton is still sidelined with an injury and could be pushed towards retirement at the end of the season.

Expected return date: Unknown

Jonny Evans: Evans is another player who is currently sidelined and has not taken part in any recent training sessions. He could also retire at the end of the campaign. He has already retired from international football with Northern Ireland.

Expected return date: Unknown.