Injury-ridden Manchester United remains optimistic about easing their injury woes in the coming weeks. 

After a resilient 0-0 draw against Liverpool last week, United, currently seventh in the Premier League, looks to navigate the challenges posed by several players’ fitness concerns.

Manager Ten Hag, addressing the team’s injury situation on Friday, mentioned ongoing illnesses within the squad, adding uncertainty about player availability for the upcoming match. 

Notably, Casemiro and Martinez are expected to remain unavailable until mid-January, while Mason Mount is projected to return in a similar timeframe. Harry Maguire is anticipated to make an early January comeback, but Victor Lindelof is ruled out for a couple of weeks following surgery.

“We have some illnesses during the week so we have to see who is always available for tomorrow,” 

“Hopefully they are recovered but we have to see.

“(Casemiro and Martinez) are not available before Christmas, so that will be mid-January we expect them back.

“Mason Mount similar, into January. Harry Maguire I expect him early on and Victor Lindelof is not available. He has had surgery so he will be out for a couple of weeks,” he said.

Anthony Martial, recovering from illness, and Christian Eriksen, back in training after a knee injury, add to the mix of uncertainties. 

Bruno Fernandes returns from suspension, but Diogo Dalot is suspended due to a red card at Anfield. Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho, currently excluded from the first team, present additional considerations for Ten Hag.

When asked about potential squad reinforcements in January, Ten Hag expressed satisfaction with the current squad, emphasizing the positive impact of player returns on strengthening the team after the winter break. 

“As we get our players back, I’m sure we have a good squad.

“I think a lot of the way it went in the first (part of the) season, the reasons behind (it are) because many players were not available.

“I’m sure when all the players are available on board — it looks like, as I said, Casemiro will be back, Martinez will be back, Mason Mount will be back — we will be much stronger after the winter,” he said.