Manchester United are in the midst of a four-game run that sees them feature in a different competition every match.
After seeing off Barcelona in the Europa League on Thursday, Erik ten Hag clasped hands on his maiden United trophy in the Carabao Cup final triumph at Wembley. Next up is West Ham in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday before the trip to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
Having won the League Cup, United are the only team left who could go the full distance in four competitions this season. If so, they will need to play 65 games having already played 40 up to this point.
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So it is no surprise that a number of players are carrying aches and pains, especially after their recent trip to Wembley. While three long-term absentees are ruled out of the visit of West Ham, two more stars who featured at the weekend are doubts for the clash.
Anthony Martial
It would not be an exaggeration to brand Martial a long-term sidelined player - the Carabao Cup final was the 26th game he’s missed this season, having been ruled out of the last eight with a hip injury.
He will not be available for Wednesday’s FA Cup tie either with no inkling as to when he might return.
Possible return date: Not known
Luke Shaw
Shaw has started the last eight matches in all competitions and the last 17 Premier League fixtures but Ten Hag revealed on Tuesday that he is a doubt for the game against West Ham having played the full 90 minutes at Wembley.
The nature of his setback has not been disclosed but his manager’s cautious “questions” over his availability may infer that it is not a lengthy setback.
Possible return date if injured: March 5
Fred
Similarly, it is unclear what kind of issue Fred has picked up that could rule him out of the West Ham clash. The Brazilian has been in fine form since the World Cup.
Marcel Sabitzer would undoubtedly come in to replace him if he is unfit to play but United fans will hope the problem isn’t anything major.
Possible return date if injured: March 5
Christian Eriksen
Sabitzer’s inclusion amid a Fred absence is made almost certain by Christian Eriksen’s ankle injury that is keeping him out until April - in fact, it was the reason Sabitzer was acquired on January deadline day.
Eriksen said he was recovering well when interviewed on the pitch after the Carabao Cup final, but April is still the earliest United fans can expect him back.
Possible return date: April
Donny van de Beek
Van de Beek is out for the rest of the season following his knee operation in January. He is expected to be back in time for pre-season.
Possible return date: July
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