Shaw, Maguire, Mount: Man Utd injury latest and possible return dates

Manchester United's injury-hit squad rounded off a difficult December with a defeat at Nottingham Forest - but Erik ten Hag's ranks are set to be boosted by the return of several key players.

The Red Devils are sat in seventh place in the Premier League table as 2024 gets underway and they sit nine points adrift of the Champions League places and their top four push avoided a further blow on Sunday when Arsenal fell to a defeat in their visit to Fulham.

The new year should bring new promise for Ten Hag as his lengthy list of absentees shows some signs of receding - but when will United's injured players return to contention as the Red Devils aim to move on from a challenging first half to the season?

Anthony Martial - Virus

The French forward has endured a difficult season so far and has not appeared for United since the 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth last month. However, there are high hopes Martial is now over a virus and he is expected to return over the next week.

Possible return game: Wigan Athletic (8th Jan)

Harry Maguire - Groin

The defender was widely expected to depart during the summer and reportedly rejected a move to West Ham United. That decision has proved beneficial for Ten Hag as Maguire has enjoyed regular game-time prior to a groin injury. His return is close and he could even make an appearance in next weekend's FA Cup tie against Wigan.

Possible return game: Wigan Athletic (8th Jan)

Casemiro - Thigh

Almost two months have passed since Casemiro last appeared in a United side after the thigh injury he suffered in the Carabao Cup exit against Newcastle has forced him out of the action. The Brazil star's absence has been felt but there are high hopes the midfielder could return over the next fortnight.

Possible return game: Tottenham Hotspur (14th Jan)

Victor Lindelof - Groin

Lindelof's long-term future at United seems in doubt as he enters the final six months of his current deal at Old Trafford. His chances of extending his United stay have been hampered by a groin injury that has kept him out of action since the 2-1 home win against Chelsea last month. However, a return to action should come in the middle of the month.

Possible return game: Tottenham Hotspur (14th Jan)

Mason Mount - Calf

It is probably safe to say one of United's major summer signings hasn't quite hit form yet - but his cause has not been helped by a calf injury that has kept the England star out of action since a narrow home win against Luton in November. Mount is closing in on a return to the action and is expected to be back in contention by the middle of January.

Possible return game: Tottenham Hotspur (14th Jan)

Lisandro Martinez - Ankle

An ongoing battle with an ankle injury has limited Martinez's game-time to just six appearances in all competitions so far this season and left him unable to build on an impressive first year at Old Trafford. However, there is some positive news with the Argentina international now close to a return to fitness.

Possible return game: Tottenham Hotspur (14th Jan)

Tyrell Malacia

Malacia is yet to appear this season after he underwent an operation on a knee injury during the summer - and worse was to follow after the full-back suffered a setback during his rehabilitation and was forced to have further surgery. United said Malacia was 'working hard' to return in the early weeks of 2024 and there are suggestions a return in the middle of January is a realistic target.

Possible return game: Tottenham Hotspur (14th Jan)

Sofyan Amrabat - Muscle

The Morocco international has not featured since he played the entire 90 minutes of the goalless draw with Liverpool before Christmas - but was an unused substitute in the 2-0 defeat at West Ham United just days later. A return from a muscle injury is close and the game with Spurs in the middle of January is seen as a realistic date for a comeback.

Possible return game: Tottenham Hotspur (14th Jan)

Luke Shaw - Muscle

A muscle injury has kept the England defender out of festive games against Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and it seems increasingly likely he will also sit out the FA Cup tie against Wigan Athletic - but a return to the United squad is not too far away.

Possible return game: Tottenham Hotspur (14th Jan)