Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that Lisandro Martinez is set to return to the squad for Wednesday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United.
Martinez returned to training towards the end of last week, but he was not considered for selection against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, with Ten Hag insisting that it was too soon for him to feature.
However, the Argentina international is expected to be involved against Newcastle on Wednesday, with the Red Devils looking to bounce back from successive losses in the Premier League.
Martinez has been restricted to just 11 appearances this season, and he has been missing with a calf problem since the end of March.
"Licha Martinez, I think he will return in the squad. He has now [had] some sessions with us and we plan for him to be available," Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference on Friday.
© Reuters
Martinez in line to return for Man United against Newcastle
"This afternoon, [if] everything goes right in the training, he will return in the squad."
Ten Hag also revealed that Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Willy Kambwala could be available for the contest against Eddie Howe's side.
Rashford has missed Man United's last four league matches with the issue that he picked up in the FA Cup semi-final last month, while Fernandes has been absent from the team's last two games.
Kambwala, though, made his return from injury as a second-half substitute against Arsenal on Sunday.
"For some other players, we have to see. Rashford, Bruno, Willy Kambwala, if they are fit enough," the manager added as he spoke ahead of the clash against the Magpies.
© Reuters
Ten Hag expecting Varane to play for the club again
Ten Hag is also expecting there to be a farewell appearance for Raphael Varane, with the Frenchman potentially being available for the team's final two games of the campaign.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the centre-back would be leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of June.
"We plan [for] him," said Ten Hag. "Definitely for the last games. Not tomorrow but we hope for Sunday and then, of course, for the last game [FA Cup final against Manchester City]."
Man United will finish their 2023-24 Premier League campaign against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday before facing Man City in the FA Cup final on May 25.
Luke Shaw, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are also believed to be in with a chance of being involved in the clash at Wembley against Pep Guardiola's side.
No Data Analysis info