How many Man Utd games Anthony Martial could miss after surgery

Anthony Martial could miss Manchester United's next 12 matches after undergoing surgery on a groin complaint this week.

United confirmed around lunchtime on Wednesday that Martial had gone under the knife, following similar suggestions earlier this month from the striker's agent. The club announced that the procedure was successful and that they will hope to have their player back in around 10 weeks.

Martial has not played for United since the 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on December 9. Erik ten Hag initially cited illness as the reason for his absence before admitting ahead of the 2-2 draw against Tottenham earlier this month that the Frenchman was 'not fit'. Reports of a fallout between player and manager were refuted by the club.

A 10-week absence would see Martial return to action on April 3, which is the current date for United's Premier League clash at Chelsea, albeit that could change once fixtures are moved for television broadcast. Ten Hag's side currently have 10 games to contend with during that spell, but will hope to progress past Newport County in the FA Cup on Sunday, with the fifth round and quarter final coming before April.

Elimination from the Carabao Cup and Champions League has eased United's fixture schedule between now and May but Martial's absence period will see him miss key Premier League games against the likes of Aston Villa, Manchester City and his favourite opponents Everton.

It is unclear from United's announcement whether Martial will return to games or training in 10 weeks, but any absence longer than expected could also see him miss that midweek trip to Chelsea and the visit of Liverpool to Old Trafford the following weekend.

Martial's remaining appearances for United look to be limited, with the 28-year-old's contract set to expire in the summer. United opted against activating a 12-month extension earlier this month and look to part ways with their forward come June 30.

His long-term absence could also kick United into gear during the final week of the January transfer window, with Rasmus Hojlund the only natural No.9 now available. There have been links to the likes of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, but any arrival will likely be on loan with better planned investment to come in the summer.