Update: Heaven, Amad, De Ligt – Manchester United injury news and return dates after Lyon draw News

All the very latest on the Man United injury front ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Focus immediately switches to Sunday’s Premier League clash with Newcastle for Manchester United following Thursday night’s 2-2 draw with Lyon in the Europa League.

United looked set to secure their first victory since before the March international break when Joshua Zirkzee headed in with 88 minutes on the clock, but a second blunder of the night from Andre Onana gift-wrapped Lyon a last-gasp draw.

Nevertheless, United will still fancy their chances of progressing to the Europa League semi-finals when they welcome Lyon to Old Trafford again next Thursday night. Before that, however, they must dust themselves down and prepare for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park.

Ahead of the clash with Eddie Howe’s side, here is all the very latest on the United injury front…

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: ankle

De Ligt appeared to turn his ankle in the closing stages of the first half of United’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest last week, sparking fears he could be the latest United centre-back to be heading for the treatment table, but he managed to complete the full 90 minutes.

He later left the City Ground limping, but insisted he was okay, suggesting he would be available for the clash with City a few days later. However, head coach Ruben Amorim said he would need to be “assessed” ahead of the game.

He was left out of the squad against City and also missed Thursday night’s draw with Lyon.

Issuing an update on the Dutchman on Wednesday, Amorim said: “Matthijs has a problem in his foot; we are trying to assess [it]. We don’t have the data for when he can return.”

Possible return date: unknown.

Ayden Heaven

Injury: unknown

Heaven was forced off shortly after half-time in United’s win at Leicester City prior to the March international break after tangling with Foxes attacker Patson Daka. He had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher before later leaving the stadium wearing a protective boot.

But as reported by the Manchester Evening News during the international break, the injury is not as bad as first feared and he is understood to be already out of the protective boot.

Although Amorim has not been able to offer a clear indication of when he will next be available, he is adamant he will play again this season.

Speaking last week, Amorim said: “[Heaven] was not so serious. He’s recovering, he’s not ready to play but he’s going to return this season, for sure.”

Possible return date: unknown.

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)

Martinez is a long-term absentee after rupturing his ACL in United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the start of February. He soon underwent successful surgery and is continuing with his recovery.

United have not put a specific timeframe on how long he will be out for, but he will not play again this season. ACL injuries usually take around six months to fully recover from.

Possible return date: August.

Jonny Evans

Injury: muscle

Evans has missed United’s last 21 matches with a muscle issue he suffered back in December. He was last in the matchday squad when United lost 2-0 to Wolves at Molineux on Boxing Day.

He last made an appearance when United lost 4-3 to Spurs in the Carabao Cup on December 19. Amorim said last week that the experienced defender is “recovering”. However, when he will be back remains to be seen.

Possible return date: unknown.

Toby Collyer

Injury: leg

Collyer has missed each of United’s last two matches with a leg injury, though it is not thought to be serious.

“Toby has a small issue in his leg,” said Amorim, speaking on Wednesday. “We hope to have him in a few weeks.”

Possible return date: unknown.

Amad

Injury: ankle

United lost Amad to an ankle injury prior to February’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur and Amorim admitted he expected to be without him for the rest of the season.

However, speaking after the draw with Real Sociedad in Spain last month, Amorim revealed he could be back in the latter stages of the campaign, offering encouragement he could still have a part to play this term.

Amorim said: “Even Amad, we will see in the end of the last month. I don’t want to say anything but I have the hope to have Amad before the end of the season.”

The Ivorian has since posted updates on social media to share his progress, the latest of which arrived on Thursday evening. He posted a video of himself running on a treadmill, conducting strength exercises and doing some dynamic stretches, meaning his recovery is clearly going in the right direction.

Possible return date: May.