Manchester United return to action next week with a trip to Newport County in the FA Cup.
The Red Devils are currently enjoying a two-week winter break and are not in action this weekend as a result.
But when United next play, they could have several returning first-team members in their ranks. Erik ten Hag was without seven players for the last game against Tottenham Hotspur, a relatively low number in comparison to several other occasions this season.
Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Antony were back for the 2-2 draw, but speaking after the match, Ten Hag once again highlighted how the inability to select a regular XI this season has impacted the team’s rhythm.
“We talk before also more to do with the routines in the back four, every time you have to change there, it has a big impact on our game,” he said.
Ahead of the fourth-round tie against Newport, there are question marks surrounding the availability of six players due to injury, in Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial. Meanwhile, Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat are currently in the Ivory Coast representing their respective countries at the Africa Cup of Nations.
But there’s every chance that seven of those eight players could be available for next week’s trip to South Wales. Here’s the latest on the United squad…
1. Andre Onana: Possible return - 28 January
Cameroon's last group game is on Wednesday, so if the Indomitable Lions were to be eliminated at the first hurdle, Onana would be available for the FA Cup clash against Newport.
2. Harry Maguire: Possible return - 28 January
Was named as a player who could have returned ahead of Spurs, but subsequently missed out. Maguire has been seen in training this week and could be an option to face Newport.
3. Victor Lindelof: Possible return - 28 January
Ten Hag said ahead of the Tottenham game that Lindelof will be back soon, so he could make his return in the FA Cup clash.
4. Luke Shaw: Possible return - 28 January
Was supposed to start last weekend but dropped out the night before. The reason for this has not been revealed, but it's likely he will be back for the upcoming game.