Manchester United face Newcastle in the Premier League on Wednesday, with Michael Carrick facing several injury and fitness dilemmas

Michael Carrick was able to issue positive Manchester United updates on Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire before the Premier League clash against to Newcastle. The defensive duo were forced off during the win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last weekend.

Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt are already missing for Carrick, with a youthful defensive pairing of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven subsequently seeing out Sunday’s victory. Further forward, Mason Mount and Patrick Dorgu are also out but at different stages of their respective recoveries, with the former close to returning.

For his first game in charge, Carrick had just one senior player missing, but fitness issues are now starting to mount. Thankfully, two players believed to be dealing with problems are not actually injured, but are not guaranteed to be available for the trip to St James’ Park

With all of that being said, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest updates on United’s injured stars and when they could return.

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Luke Shaw

Shaw was replaced by Noussair Mazraoui in the first half against Palace with what appeared to be a foot issue. Carrick has since confirmed however, that he was not injured.

What Carrick has said: “Still got a bit of time to the game, and we’ll just have to see how they feel. So we’ll give them every chance. We’re working towards it. They weren’t feeling too good, we’ve still got a bit of time to the game so we’ll see how they feel.

“It wasn’t injury, both weren’t feeling too good, so it’s one of those things really. We’ll see how they are.”

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) – Wednesday, March 4.

Harry Maguire

Midway through the second half against the Eagles, Maguire looked to hobble off but Carrick has again revealed no injury has been suffered.

What Carrick has said: “Still got a bit of time to the game, and we’ll just have to see how they feel. So we’ll give them every chance. We’re working towards it. They weren’t feeling too good, we’ve still got a bit of time to the game so we’ll see how they feel.

“It wasn’t injury, both weren’t feeling too good, so it’s one of those things really. We’ll see how they are.”

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) – Wednesday, March 4.

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez has been absent for United’s last two games with a calf issue. The Argentine does not look set to be back for the trip to Newcastle.

What Carrick has said: “Licha, it was a small issue, so he’s getting closer. He won’t be out for very long so we’ll just monitor him over the next day, two, three or four days and see when he can come back, but he’s he’s not far away.”

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Mason Mount

Mount has not played for United since Carrick’s first game in charge against Manchester City. He was an unused substitute at Arsenal the following week and has not been in a matchday squad since.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is getting closer, really. He’s on the grass, and he’s getting closer. He’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon. He’s just had to be patient… He’s a big player, so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season.”

Possible return date: Newcastle United (A) – Wednesday, March 4.

Matthijs de Ligt

For the last three months, De Ligt has been dealing with a back injury that United look to be carefully managing. Carrick’s latest update suggests that he is moving in the right direction, though.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there.

“He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing.”

Possible return date: Leeds United (H) – April 11/12

Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win over Arsenal and Carrick confirmed he would miss a considerable period back in late January.

What Carrick has said: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be. We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious, and at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.”

Possible return date: Late March

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