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

Man Utd are in line to benefit from such a big gap in between fixtures

Manchester United have to wait a while before facing Leeds following their latest extended break.

Man United have reacted positively to the managerial change, with Michael Carrick overseeing seven wins and two draws in ten matches since being appointed head coach until the end of the season.

Perhaps Man Utd should have been celebrating an eighth win under Carrick as they were twice pegged back to draw with Bournemouth on Friday night, though earning a point with ten-men did soften the blow somewhat as they headed into the international break third 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 24-day gap in between drawing at the Vitality Stadium and hosting bitter rivals Leeds at Old Trafford.

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 Aston Villa.

Carrick will be without the suspended Harry Maguire against Leeds but could be boosted by the return of Lisandro Martinez after a five-game absence, while Patrick Dorgu 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...

Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt’s has now been sidelined for almost four months to the date.

The Dutch central defender suffered a lower back injury as United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 on November 30, 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 concerned De Ligt will 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

Martinez has not featured for Man United since the 1-1 draw against West Ham as he suffered a small injury ahead of trip to face Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium at the end of February.

The Argentina international has subsequently missed the last five games, thus affording Leny Yoro an extended run in the team at centre-back alongside Maguire.

With Maguire set to serve a suspension after being sent-off against Bournemouth, Martinez’s return against Leeds would be timely especially with De Ligt still absent.

"[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

Noussair Mazraoui was not named in the Manchester United matchday squad against Bournemouth, with his place on the bench going to youngster Tyler Fredricson.

The Morocco international was confirmed to have missed training on Wednesday through illness which suggests he should not be out for too long.

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

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.

Should the ten week prognosis prove accurate, Dorgu could be in contention to return against Leeds.