Manchester United injury update: Mason Mount, Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Dorgu latest news and return dates | OneFootball

Man Utd are expected to be handed a fitness boost ahead of Premier League return

Manchester United will hope kickstart a new winning run when they face Everton after an extended break.

Benjamin Sesko climbed off the bench to equalise, brilliantly, in stoppage time to preserve Carrick's unbeaten record and keep Man Utd fourth in the Premier League table.

However, defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup third round means the Red Devils are dealing with a very limited fixture schedule and there will be a 13-day gap in between drawing at the London Stadium and making their first-ever visit to the Hill Dickinson.

Furthermore, United will be playing last during the next round of Premier League fixtures, meaning they will be responding to results of fellow Champions League contenders such as Chelsea, Liverpool and Brentford.

Carrick could be boosted by the return of Mason Mount after a three-game absence, while Matthijs de Ligt shouldn't be too far off making a comeback.

With that in mind, here’s the latest Manchester United injury news and potential return dates...

Mason Mount

Mason Mount was a surprise absentee from the Man United matchday squad for the win over Fulham after being named on the bench for Carrick's first two games in charge.

It was revealed ahead of kick-off that the midfielder had picked up a minor injury in training and has subsequently missed out against Tottenham and West Ham.

Mason Mount should be available for selection soon

Manchester United via Getty Imag

The good news is that Mount is expected to be fit in time for the trip to Merseyside.

Delivering an update on Mount before the draw at West Ham, Carrick said: “Mason will be probably not for Tuesday, probably after, but definitely gone into the Everton game, he’ll be back."

Potential return date: February 23 vs Everton (A)

Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt’s has now been sidelined for almost three full months.

The Dutch central defender suffered a lower back injury as United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 in late November, with then-manager Ruben Amorim initially promising a swift comeback.

However, he is yet to return to full first team training.

Matthijs de Ligt is yet to make a Man United matchday squad under Michael Carrick

Getty Images

Carrick, though, is optimistic that De Ligt will soon be available for selection again, delivering a positive update before the draw with West Ham.

Carrick said: "Matta, we'll see how he develops over the, you know… the Everton game feels like a long time away at the moment, so we'll see how he develops, but he's positive, he's moving in the right direction, but Mason's a little bit closer than him."

Potential return date: March

Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu was in fine form during Michael Carrick's first two games, impressing off the left and scoring a stunning goal a 3-2 win over Arsenal which was on the back of netting in the Manchester derby.

However, the outing at the Emirates Stadium ended on a sour note as he pulled his hamstring while chasing after a ball over the top.

Speaking on Dorgu’s injury, 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.

Sidelined: Patrick Dorgu

Mike Egerton/PA Wire

“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.

“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.”

Should the ten week prognosis prove accurate, Dorgu will not return until early April.