Manchester United will be desperately hoping to salvage something from a season that has otherwise underwhelmed when they face Championship outfit Coventry City at Wembley in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon. The Red Devils will be strong favourites to book their place in the final of the historic competition for a second successive season, and now know that it represents their last chance to secure any silverware this campaign.
United reached the semi-final courtesy of a dramatic stoppage time victory over bitter rivals Liverpool in the last round, with Amad Diallo scoring the decisive goal in a 4-3 win on Merseyside. For their part, Coventry had to rely on a similarly improbable turn of events, scoring twice in stoppage time to oust Premier League side Wolves from the quarter-finals at Molineux. Since then, however, Mark Robins’ side have been in patchy form, winning just two of their five outings in the weeks after.
But how will United line up against Coventry this weekend? We’ve taken a closer look at the Red Devils’ current injury list, as well as any available return dates where possible, to try and get a better idea.
Martinez has struggled with injury for much of this season, and is currently sidelined with a calf strain. The Argentine is not expected back until early May, and is almost certain to miss out on Sunday’s trip to Wembley.
Like Martinez, Lindelof is expected to be absent this weekend. The Swede was withdrawn during the draw with Brentford last month due to a thigh complaint, and has not featured since. Early May could be a realistic comeback date.
Yet another defensive injury for United, Varane is unlikely to play against Coventry. Speaking about the Frenchman last week, Erik ten Hag said: ‘Raphael will be out for the next few weeks with a muscle injury sustained during our game against Chelsea.’
The England international is still some way off fitness, but there is optimism that Shaw will play again this season. Speaking recently, Ten Hag said: ‘I expect him back, I think, before the end of the season. That is the plan, and he is still on schedule for this. He will return into our team.’
The Dutchman continues to suffer setback after setback in his recovery from a knee injury, and unlike Shaw, may not be readily available before the end of the campaign. In a recent update, Ten Hag said: ‘It’s going to be difficult for him this season to be available. He will fight. He’s back on the pitch, but not in the team and the process had setbacks. He’s going forwards really slowly.’
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