Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez are set to make their long-awaited returns for Manchester United this weekend.
Defender Martinez has been out since the end of last season after undergoing surgery on a metatarsal problem, while midfielder Casemiro has been sidelined since November 1. But United boss Erik ten Hag said both are in contention to return to the match-day squad for Sunday’s Premier League visit of Tottenham to Old Trafford after returning to training.
“We have had a lot of injuries,” said Ten Hag. “So this week in training, the last couple of days, Licha Martinez is training, Casemiro is training, Luke Shaw is training. So there are players returning and they are coming in for selection for Sunday. Antony, also.
“ Christian Eriksen was ill in the week, he will return. Antony will return. Amad will return. We have more choices in this moment in the squad to put out a starting eleven and create a bench that is stronger. Tyrell Malacia will return as well, Victor Lindelof is also on his way back but it will take some weeks and takes time to get back into match fitness.
“I’m not sure it’s the word relief. First it has to happen they are back, but it is positive they are back on the training ground and that they go back to the team and then to 100 per cent match fitness. When I talk about Martinez returning, Casemiro returning, for instance, but they were a long time away, Mason Mount will return, but will take a little longer.”
Ten Hag was tight-lipped on Jadon Sancho, who has returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan for the rest of the season after their spectacular fall-out which saw the winger exiled at United. “I hope he’s going to do well, so I wish him the best of good luck,” said Ten Hag. “That’s it. I hope he’s doing well and he’ll be a success.”
Sancho said after his loan was confirmed at lunchtime on Friday: “When I came into the dressing room today, it felt like ‘coming home’. I know the club inside and out, I’ve always been very close with the fans here, and I’ve never lost contact with those in charge. I can’t wait to see my teammates again, go out on the pitch, play football with a smile on my face, prepare goals, score goals and help qualify for the Champions League.”