The latest on Manchester United’s injury situation ahead of their Europa League encounter against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena in Spain.
United Facing Injury Woes Ahead of Europa League Showdown
Manchester United’s injury concerns continue to mount as they prepare to face Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie tonight.
Following their FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham in a dramatic penalty shootout (4-3), United are eager to bounce back. The Europa League now stands as their only remaining chance to secure silverware this season.
However, ahead of their trip to San Sebastian, the squad has been hit with further injury setbacks, with Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte both omitted from the 18-man squad traveling to Spain.
Here’s the latest on United’s injury list:
Altay Bayindir
Injury: Undisclosed
Bayindir has missed United’s last five games due to an unspecified injury sustained before their FA Cup fourth-round clash with Leicester City. He has not been named in a matchday squad since February 2.
Prior to the draw against Everton, head coach Ruben Amorim mentioned that Bayindir was in recovery but refrained from giving a definitive return date.
Expected return: Unknown
Tom Heaton
Injury: Undisclosed
Heaton has also been unavailable in recent weeks. Under normal circumstances, he would have stepped in as André Onana’s backup in Bayindir’s absence.
Amorim previously stated that both Heaton and Bayindir were “making progress,” but no exact return timeline was provided.
Expected return: Unknown
Harry Maguire
Injury: Undisclosed
Maguire was forced off the pitch before extra time against Fulham and was notably absent from United’s open training session at Carrington on Wednesday.
While Amorim suggested the injury is not severe, no official return date has been announced.
Expected return: Unknown
Lisandro Martínez
Injury: Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
Martínez suffered an ACL rupture during United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last month, requiring surgery. The club has not provided an official recovery timeline, but given the nature of ACL injuries, he is expected to be out for around six months, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
Expected return: August
Jonny Evans
Injury: Muscle
Evans has been sidelined for 14 consecutive matches due to a muscle injury sustained in December. His last squad appearance was during United’s 2-0 loss to Wolves on Boxing Day, while his most recent game was the 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat to Spurs on December 19.
His return date remains uncertain.
Expected return: Unknown
Luke Shaw
Injury: Muscle
Shaw has been out for over a year, with his latest muscle injury hampering any chances of a return to the squad. Despite making steady progress, he recently suffered a setback in his recovery.
Currently undergoing an individual fitness program, his return timeline is still unclear.
Expected return: Unknown
Manuel Ugarte
Injury: Undisclosed
Similar to Maguire, Ugarte was absent from United’s open training session and was not named in the squad traveling to Spain.
Amorim explained that their injuries are minor, but given United’s current squad depth issues, the club is taking a cautious approach to avoid long-term absences.
Expected return: Unknown
Kobbie Mainoo
Injury: Undisclosed
Mainoo sustained an unspecified injury ahead of United’s 1-0 defeat to Tottenham last month. Amorim previously stated he would be sidelined for “weeks.”
However, the expectation remains that he will feature again this season, potentially returning in April.
Expected return: April
Toby Collyer
Injury: Muscle
Collyer has missed the last four matches but has traveled to Spain, suggesting he is close to making his comeback. Having participated in Wednesday’s training session, he is expected to be available, likely as a substitute.
Expected return: March 6 (vs. Real Sociedad)
Mason Mount
Injury: Leg
Mount has not played since being forced off in the first half of United’s 2-1 win over Manchester City on December 15. Amorim initially stated that he would be out for “several weeks.”
He has been working hard on his recovery at Carrington, with promising progress, though no exact return date has been set.
Expected return: Unknown
Amad Diallo
Injury: Ankle
Amad suffered an ankle injury before United’s recent defeat to Tottenham. A standout performer this season, he is not expected to return before the end of the campaign.
Speaking before the Spurs match, Amorim confirmed that Amad will likely miss the remainder of the season, though he could return in time for pre-season training.
Expected return: Pre-season
Final Thoughts
Manchester United’s injury struggles continue to pile up at a crucial stage of the season. With Maguire and Ugarte now added to the list of absentees, Amorim will need to navigate this tricky European tie with a depleted squad.
All eyes will be on whether United can overcome these setbacks and keep their Europa League ambitions alive.
