Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has provided a positive update on centre-back Lisandro Martinez ahead of Saturday's Premier League showdown with Tottenham Hotspur in North London.
The 25-year-old was withdrawn at half time in Monday's 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers, and his defensive colleague Raphael Varane revealed afterwards that he had reported a small tendon issue in his ankle.
However, Ten Hag is optimistic that Martinez will be available, but Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire - whose proposed summer transfer to West Ham United is now dead in the water - are waiting in the wings just in case.
Rasmus Hojlund (back), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Amad Diallo (knee) and Tom Heaton (calf) will definitely miss out for the Red Devils, who had Andre Onana to thank for their slender win on Monday evening, as the Cameroonian came up with several vital stops before surviving a strong penalty shout for a collision with Sasa Kalajdzic.
Unless Martinez's injury proves more serious than first thought, Onana should be shielded by an identical backline, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw continue in the wide areas.
Mason Mount's Premier League debut for Man United was not one to remember, so Erik ten Hag may offer Christian Eriksen a start against his old club, as Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro hold their places as expected.
Marcus Rashford's showing against Wolves also left a lot to be desired, but Ten Hag's hand is forced due to the injury to Hojlund, and the Englishman will likely be deployed as the central figure once more.
Antony's spot on the right is seemingly safe too, but Alejandro Garnacho was another poor performer last time out and may be demoted to the bench by Jadon Sancho.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fernandes, Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Rashford, Sancho
> Click here to see how Tottenham could line up for this match
Ben Knapton
