Manchester United will be boosted by the return of centre-back Lisandro Martinez for Saturday's Premier League clash against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford.
After picking up a foot injury in the Red Devils' 3-1 defeat at Arsenal before the international break, the 25-year-old was not involved in either of Argentina's CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, but he was fit to train with the national team and he should return to the heart of the defence against the Seagulls.
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Raphael Varane and Mason Mount are making good progress in their recovery from respective muscle and hamstring injuries, although Saturday's match will come too soon for the pair, and the same applies for new recruit Sofyan Amrabat who is recovering from a back problem that forced him to withdraw from the Morocco squad during the international break.
Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), Kobbie Mainoo (ankle) and Tom Heaton (calf) all remain in the treatment room, while Antony will not represent the club 'until further notice' amid allegations of assault made against him; Jadon Sancho is also unavailable for selection as he has been banned from first-team training following his social media outburst at Ten Hag.
Victor Lindelof came off in the loss at Arsenal due to illness, but the Swedish defender is fit to start on Saturday and could play alongside Martinez at centre-back, while Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans are both backup options available to Ten Hag. Meanwhile, Sergio Reguilon could be handed his debut at left-back after joining on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, although Diogo Dalot impressed on the left side against Arsenal and may keep his starting spot.
Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes are the most likely trio to play in midfield, although the latter is also an option to start on the right flank now that both Antony and Sancho are ruled out.
Facundo Pellistri is another player who could feature on the right as well as Alejandro Garnacho, while Marcus Rashford is expected to continue on his favoured left side of attack with either Anthony Martial or Rasmus Hojlund set to start up front, the latter of whom is hoping to make his full debut after coming on as a second-half substitute against Arsenal.
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Eriksen; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
Oliver Thomas
