De Ligt, Amad, Zirkzee: Manchester United injury and return dates ahead of Bournemouth and Athletic Club

Manchester United are preparing for a trip to Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon but most supporters will have one eye on their European exploits as the Europa League semi-final with Athletic Club approaches.

The Red Devils lost for the 15th time in 33 Premier League games with a 1-0 defeat at home to Wolves on Sunday. It left them just two points above West Ham in 17th with it looking increasingly likely that Ruben Amorim’s side will finish no higher than 13th.

With little to play for in the league, United’s focus is on the Europa League. Winning the competition will provide the club with a spot in the Champions League next season and would provide them with a welcome boost in revenue while also making them a more attractive proposition for summer targets. As United prepare for their games with Bournemouth and Athletic Club we have rounded up the latest injury news from Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim is unlikely to risk any of his players at the Vitality Stadium this weekend, as those who may be close to returning will likely be held back for their clash with Athletic Club on Thursday, May 1.

Man United latest injury news and return dates

Matthijs de Ligt

Ahead of United’s dramatic win over Lyon, Amorim said the defender was recovering well from an ankle injury but admitted his return was a few weeks away. The Netherlands international has been a key performer for the Red Devils but has not played since picking up his injury against Nottingham Forest.

He is set to return at some point in May and could even be back for the first leg against Athletic Club - however, Amorim is unlikely to rush him back with the second leg and potential Europa League final in mind.

Potential return date v Athletic Club, May 1

Ayden Heaven

The January signing from Arsenal impressed when given the chance but saw his run in the senior side cut short by an injury against Leicester City ahead of the international break. He is expected back before the end of the season after suffering a minor set-back in his recovery.

Potential return date v Brentford, May 4

Amad Diallo

The forward was back training on his own last week and is set to return at some point in May. The winger was in fine form for United before his injury set back and was initially ruled out for the remainder of the season.

However, the Red Devils were handed a boost in recent weeks with the news that Diallo would be back before the season is out. If fit to face Brentford, Amorim may hold the winger back for the second leg against Athletic Club on May 8.

Potential return date v Brentford, May 4

Joshua Zirkzee

The forward is out for the season after picking up a hamstring injury in the 4-1 loss at Newcastle United earlier this month. Providing an update last week, Amorim said: “He’s not going to play more this season. Let’s prepare him for the next one. I think he’s improving in all aspects of the game, so it’s hard for any player to stop, but this is football and he has to be ready now to recover."

Potential return date - next season

Lisandro Martinez

The defender picked up a serious knee injury against Crystal Palace in February. He will not play until next season and there is the chance he may not be able to play again until 2026.

Potential return date - next season

Toby Collyer

The midfielder has missed the last few games due to what Amorim described as a “small issue in his leg”. Amorim gave that update a couple of weeks ago and said Collyer would likely only be out for a few weeks. He was not seen in training on Wednesday afternoon as United prepared for a clash with Bournemouth.

Potential return date v Brentford, May 4