Manchester United face Everton in the Premier League this Saturday as they aim to close the gap to the top-four places.
Last week’s defeat to Manchester City leaves Erik ten Hag’s side 11 points off fourth-place Aston Villa and six behind Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand. Spurs and Villa meet on Sunday in a crucial game for the top-four picture, one United will hope ends in a draw.
But for now, the Red Devils will feel that a win against Everton is a must if they’re to start reducing that gap. United also have an excellent record in this fixture and haven’t lost a home game against the Merseyside club since David Moyes was manager in 2013. Ten Hag has won all four previous meetings against Everton and United have lost just once in the last 11 encounters.
Sean Dyche’s side are also in horrendous form and haven’t won any of their last 10 Premier League. and head into this match just five points above the relegation zone.
It should, therefore, be a game United approach with optimism, but preparations for Saturday’s match are likely to be impacted by several injury concerns. United were without eight players for last week’s derby defeat and had to make two second-half substitutions due to knocks.
Ten Hag will most likely provide an injury update in his pre-match press conference. But ahead of the media briefing, here is the latest news on all 10 injury issues heading into the clash with Everton…
5. Luke Shaw - potential return day: May
Is out for a few months with a muscular issue. Shaw may not feature again this season for the Red Devils.
6. Tyrell Malacia - potential return date: 30 March
Ten Hag said last week that the left-back is still absent. It's unlikely he'll be back this weekend and after the international break could be a realistic timeframe.
7. Mason Mount - potential return day: 30 March
Another long-running and slightly mysterious injury situation. Like Malacia, Ten Hag said last week that Mount is still not available and he hasn't played since November. United posted images of the ex-Chelsea man working in the gym in late January, while Ten Hag insisted last month that the player will feature again this season.
8. Marcus Rashford - potential return day: N/A
Like Evans, the forward was withdrawn in the derby but is expected to be available for the clash against Everton.