Manchester United return to Champions League action on Wednesday when the Red Devils face Copenhagen.
Erik ten Hag’s side travel to the Danish capital knowing a win may be needed to keep the club’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive. After three games, United are on three points, one behind second-place Galatasaray. With Bayern Munich out in front, the final qualification spot could be contested by United and Galatasaray.
Those sides meet in the next round of Champions League games, but a win for United in Denmark on Wednesday would propel them into second, presuming Bayern beat Galatasaray.
The Red Devils come into the Copenhagen clash on the back of a 1-0 Premier League win over Fulham on Saturday, which eased some of the pressure on the under-fire Erik ten Hag. While the Dutchman hasn’t always covered himself in glory this campaign, he has been forced to contend with a plethora of injuries.
"One thing is true, from the start of last season I don't think I ever started with, in my opinion, the best starting XI," Ten Hag said earlier this season. "There was always injuries.
“We always got results apart from the period we are in now. I have experienced it in the past and managed it. You have to deal with it. I like these situations because you have to handle it and know what to do, and that is focusing on the process.”
Ahead of Wednesday’s game, two players are major doubts, while five have been ruled out with long-term problems. Here’s the latest on every unavailable United player, and when they could be back…
1. Victor Lindelof - potential return date: 8 November
Missed the trip to Craven Cottage through illness, but could be back for the Copenhagen clash.
2. Lisandro Martinez - potential return date: January
Underwent surgery earlier this season, on the recurrence of a foot injury that was first sustained in April. The defender's return is some way off.
3. Raphael Varane - Back
Was back in the squad on Saturday following recent spells of injury and illness. Varane came on in the latter stages against Fulham.
4. Luke Shaw - potential return date: December
Ten Hag said in October that the ex-Southampton man would not be back before November's international break.