Manchester United return to club action this weekend when they face Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
With the sides separated by just three points in the race for the Champions League places, it’s an important game to come back to after the international break. The clash with Eddie Howe’s men kicks off a huge month for United, who are still fighting on three fronts.
The Red Devils face Newcastle, Brentford and Everton in the Premier League within a week of club football returning, while there are trips to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur to follow, before April ends by hosting Aston Villa.
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag will bring the team back to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion. The date and time have yet to be confirmed for the game, but it will almost certainly be on Sunday 23 April due to United’s Europa League involvement. A double-headed tie against Sevilla awaits them in the quarter-finals of the competition, which will take place on 13 and 20 April.
Therefore, the need for Ten Hag to have a deep squad is imperative with such a busy fixture schedule. But the Dutchman does have several injury and suspension concerns ahead of the club’s return from the international break.
Indeed, six players missed United’s last game - the FA Cup win over Fulham - and two more have picked up knocks during the break. We’ve rounded up the latest on all eight players and whether they are likely to be involved this weekend.
1. Raphael Varane
Missed the Fulham game with a knock but is expected to be fit enough to return in time for the weekend trip to the North-East.
2. Casemiro
May have captained Brazil over the international break, but he’ll miss United’s next three games through suspension, following the red card he picked up against Southampton.
3. Christian Eriksen
Ten Hag said before the Fulham game that Eriksen wouldn’t be back before the break, but there’s hope he’ll return soon. The Dane is unlikely to be involved against Newcastle, but posted a photo recently showing him wearing football boots again.
4. Marcel Sabitzer
Picked up a knee problem over the break and Austria manager Ralf Rangnick decided not to risk him in Monday’s win over Estonia.