Key Man Utd pair return to full training ahead of Wigan & Tottenham games

Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro have both returned to full training, Manchester United have confirmed.

The pair have not featured for the club in recent months due to injury, although Erik ten Hag confirmed during the Christmas period that both players would be back in mid-January.

Martinez suffered a recurrence of a foot injury he initially sustained at the end of last season and had to undergo surgery for a second time in September. As a result, he’s made just six appearances this term. As for Casemiro, he has not played in nearly three months due to a knock, with his last appearance coming in the 2-1 victory over Brentford on 7 October.

But there was good news on Wednesday, with the club confirming both players had reached a significant milestone in their recoveries.  “The South American duo have been training individually alongside medical staff in recent months and all their hard work – and patience – is close to paying off,” United said via their website.

“Casemiro and Martinez trained on the grass with the full squad on Wednesday, signifying they are edging ever closer to being back in action.”

Ten Hag is expected to give an update on both players ahead of the trip to Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup next Monday, while United fans will hope Martinez and Casemiro are options for the Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur five days later.

United are also without the injured Harry Maguire, Victor Lindleof, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount, but they too are expected to return in January. Luke Shaw has missed the last two with a minor knock and should also be back soon. Forward Anthony Martial has missed the last five games through illness and it's not clear when he will next be involved for the club.