Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Mainoo – Man United injury latest and return dates ahead of Man City derby

Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Mainoo – Man United injury latest and return dates ahead of Man City derby

Manchester United will be aiming to secure the local bragging rights when they welcome rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford for Sunday’s derby.

United, who beat City in their last M16 meeting, winning 2-1 back in January, head into the game on a three-match winning run.

They added to their victories over Brentford and Sheffield United with a crucial 1-0 Champions League triumph over FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night.

Harry Maguire netted the only goal of the game, heading home with just under 20 minutes of normal time left on the clock, ahead of goalkeeper Andre Onana saving a 97th-minute penalty to preserve the Reds’ lead.

Focus now switches back to domestic matters and the small matter of an all-Manchester affair.

United recovered Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon in time for the clash with Copenhagen and hope to welcome at least one more member of their squad back into the frame for the visit of City in the form of Casemiro.

The Brazilian is in a race against time to be fit after missing the last two games, though he was automatically ruled out of the clash with Copenhagen due to suspension.

With that said, MEN Sport has had a close look at the latest on the United injury front with a detailed round-up.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Wan-Bissaka has missed all of United’s last eight matches with a hamstring injury, last appearing as a late substitute in the 3-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. He was omitted from the starting line-up that day because of illness and got injured during his cameo role.

Manager Erik ten Hag, speaking to the media in his pre-derby press conference on Friday lunchtime, confirmed that the former Crystal Palace right-back has resumed full training. However, it is feared the derby may come fractionally too soon for him.

Possible return date: November 1 (vs Newcastle United).

Lisandro Martinez
Martinez is a long-term absentee. The Argentine has suffered a recurrence of the foot injury that sidelined him earlier this year, and it is possible, in the worst-case scenario, that he will not play again this calendar year.

If his recovery goes according to plan, though, he could be back before the end of 2023 and feature in the busy festive period.

Possible return date: December 2023/January 2024.

Luke Shaw
The left-sided full-back, who played a key role in United’s success last season, has been sidelined since late August with a muscle injury. The Reds, at the time, confirmed that he was set to miss “a number of weeks”.

Ten Hag, speaking ahead of last weekend’s win over Sheffield United, confirmed that he did not expect Shaw to be back before the November international break, saying: “With Shaw, I don’t expect him back in this block of games.”

Possible return date: November 26 (vs Everton).

Tyrell Malacia
Fellow left-back Malacia has not kicked a ball for United since the final day of last season, missing the start of this season and the whole of pre-season due to injury. The Manchester Evening News understands the Dutchman sustained a knee injury last term and the club initially looked to manage it with pain injections, but surgery was eventually required.

It is understood he was on crutches after the injury and he spent some time in the Netherlands to recover. He’s now back in Manchester and resumed light training earlier this week at Carrington, doing some ball work.

A firm date, however, has not been put on when he might return, though the expectation is he will play again before the end of the year, possibly next month.

Possible return date: November.

Casemiro
The Brazilian midfield enforcer is in a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s derby showdown, Ten Hag confirmed on Friday. Casemiro has not featured in the last two games, last appearing for the Reds prior to the international break.

He got injured on international duty, ruling him out of last weekend’s win at Bramall Lane. He was suspended for the win in midweek, but injury would have almost certainly ruled him out anyway.

Ten Hag said: “Casa is a race against the clock, not 100 per cent.”

Possible return date: October 29 (vs Manchester City).

Kobbie Mainoo