Manchester United injury update: Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Four key names could return for crucial clash in Champions League push

Manchester United return to action this weekend against Leeds United, and there is a growing list of absentees for head coach Michael Carrick to contend with.

The Red Devils are in pole positon in the race to qualify for the Champions League, and have the added luxury of no other competitions as we approach the final seven-game run-in.

They have had a bonus weekend off thanks to their premature FA Cup exit against Brighton back in January.

They are also playing in this next round of Premier League fixtures, meaning they will be responding to results of fellow Champions League contenders Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Carrick will be without the suspended Harry Maguire against Leeds but could be boosted by the return of a couple of key players in his backline.

In the attacking third, two star men have also had ample time to rest their ongoing niggles.

Forward Mbeumo withdrew from international duty with Cameroon as a “precaution”, according to United.

The former Brentford man played 71 minutes as United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth last time out.

It looks as though Mbeumo will be back in contention to play against Leeds, with multiple outlets reporting that he has overcome his minor problem.

Potential return date: Monday April 13 vs Leeds (H)

Benjamin Sesko

Sesko has finally begun to show what he is capable of since his big-money arrival from RB Leipzig, scoring eight goals in his last 11 games.

The Slovenian withdrew from international duty, similarly to Mbeumo, with an ongoing issue that “United have managed carefully throughout recent weeks”.

BBC Sport report that Sesko is currently expected to face Leeds on April 13, with the decision to skip Slovenia duty an opportunity for the striker to “fully recover” from his niggling issue.

Potential return date: Monday April 13 vs Leeds (H)

Matthijs de Ligt

Central defender De Ligt’s has now been sidelined for four months with a lower back injury.

The Dutchman suffered the issue against Crystal Palace back in November, with Ruben Amorim, in charge at the time, emphasising that he would be in line for a swift return.

That, however, has not happened, with De Ligt still yet to return to training.

Out long term: Matthijs de Ligt

Manchester United via Getty Imag

Carrick is concerned that the centre-back could miss the remainder of the season.

In a fresh update before the Bournemouth draw, Carrick said: "He's obviously trying to work towards getting back, but it's just the back issue really that's proving difficult.

"We'll keep working as hard as we can to get him back as quick as we can."

Potential return date: Unknown

Lisandro Martinez

Another who has had to endure a longer than expected period out, centre-half Martinez suffered a calf injury in the lead-up to United’s win at Everton back in February.

His last appearance came in the 1-1 draw at West Ham, and has since missed the Red Devils’ last five matches.

With Harry Maguire set to sit out the Leeds encounter after he was sent off against Bournemouth, a return for Martinez would be especially welcome for Carrick, particularly considering De Ligt’s current situation.

"[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He's getting there, so after this one. I think he'll be alright,” Carrick said.

Potential return date: Monday April 13 vs Leeds (H)

Noussair Mazraoui

Versatile defender Mazraoui missed the trip to the Dorset coast through illness, with Tyler Fredericson replacing him on the bench.

He did join up with the Morocco squad for the recent international window, playing 82 minutes against Ecuador before not featuring against Paraguay in their two friendlies.

Potential return date: Monday April 13 vs Leeds (H)

Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu was one of the United stars who exploded into form in Carrick’s first games in charge, starting in a more advanced position wide-left.

However, after his wondergoal in the 3-2 win at Arsenal, he went off injured with a hamstring injury.

The Dane has since sat out the last eight matches.

Speaking on Dorgu, Carrick said: “Pat, unfortunately, is going to be out for a period of time. We are still working through how long that is going to be.

“It’s disappointing because he has had such a big couple of weeks. We weren't sure if it was a little bit of cramp or if it was something more serious.

“At the moment, it is looking a little bit more of a serious note. A few weeks out. How many weeks? We will have to wait and see.

Sidelined: Patrick Dorgu

Manchester United via Getty Imag

“It is disappointing for all of us and Pat, he is in such a good place but unfortunately it is part of football and something you have got to work through and get him back as soon as we can.”

There is some hope that Dorgu could return for Leeds on Monday, and Carrick will update the media ahead of that clash this week.