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…
5. Tyrell Malacia: Possible return - 28 January
Ten Hag referenced the defender alongside Lindelof as a player who could be back soon. Malacia hasn't played all this season due to injury.
6. Sofyan Amrabat: Possible return - 28 January
Like Onana, should Amrabat's Morocco be eliminated in the group stage then the on-loan midfielder might be back by next weekend. But given the World Cup semi-finalists won their opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations, it seems it could be a longer absence.
7. Casemiro: Possible return - 28 January
Was on the bench last time out but didn't feature. The ex-Real Madrid man is expected to play some role at Rodney Parade.
8. Mason Mount: Possible return - 28 January
In the same boat as Lindelof and Malacia, so he could be back next week after a two-month absence.