Manchester United will be aiming to secure the local bragging rights when they welcome rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford for Sunday’s derby.

Man United hopes to have at least one more player, Casemiro, back in the mix when City visits. Raphael Varane and Sergio Reguilon both made their comebacks to the field in time for the encounter against Copenhagen. The Brazilian’s suspension kept him from participating against Copenhagen, but he is running out of time to make up for missing the first two games.

Having said that, MEN Sport has closely examined the most recent developments regarding the United States injury front and provided a thorough summary.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Due to a hamstring injury, Wan-Bissaka has missed all eight of United’s games; he last made an appearance as a late substitute in the team’s 3-1 home loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. Due to illness, he was left out of the starting lineup that day and sustained an injury while playing a cameo.

During his pre-derby press conference on Friday lunchtime, manager Erik ten Hag announced to the media that the former Crystal Palace right-back had resumed full training. It’s thought that the derby might arrive a little too soon for him, too.

Possible return date: November 1 (vs Newcastle United).

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez is a long-term absentee. The Argentine has suffered a recurrence of the foot ιnjury that sidelined him earlier this year, and it is possible, in the worst-case scenario, that he will not play again this calendar year.

Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez is a long-term absentee.

If his recovery goes according to plan, though, he could be back before the end of 2023 and feature in the busy festive period.

Possible return date: December 2023/January 2024.

Luke Shaw

The left-sided full-back, who played a key role in United’s success last season, has been sidelined since late August with a muscle ιnjury. The Reds, at the time, confirmed that he was set to miss “a number of weeks”.

Ten Hag, speaking ahead of last weekend’s win over Sheffield United, confirmed that he did not expect Shaw to be back before the November international break, saying: “With Shaw, I don’t expect him back in this block of games.”

Possible return date: November 26 (vs Everton).

Tyrell Malacia

Fellow left-back Malacia has not kicked a ball for United since the final day of last season, missing the start of this season and the whole of pre-season due to ιnjury. The Manchester Evening News understands the Dutchman sustained a knee ιnjury last term and the club initially looked to manage it with pаin injections, but surgery was eventually required.

It is understood he was on crutches after the ιnjury and he spent some time in the Netherlands to recover. He’s now back in Manchester and resumed light training earlier this week at Carrington, doing some ball work.

A firm date, however, has not been put on when he might return, though the expectation is he will play again before the end of the year, possibly next month.

Tyrell Malacia has not played for Manchester United since May.

Possible return date: November.

Casemiro

The Brazilian midfield enforcer is in a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s derby showdown, Ten Hag confirmed on Friday. Casemiro has not featured in the last two games, last appearing for the Reds prior to the international break.

He got injured on international duty, ruling him out of last weekend’s win at Bramall Lane. He was suspended for the win in midweek, but ιnjury would have almost certainly ruled him out anyway.

Ten Hag said: “Casa is a race against the clock, not 100 per cent.”

Possible return date: October 29 (vs Manchester City).

Kobbie Mainoo

The eagerly anticipated return of academy star Mainoo is seemingly edging closer. After suffering an ankle ιnjury in pre-season, he has been building up his fitness at Carrington in recent weeks and started the Under-19s’ 1-0 defeat to Copenhagen in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday afternoon.

Youth coach Travis Binnion confirmed afterwards United are looking to slowly build up his minutes. A place in the squad against City, however, cannot be ruled out for certain.

Possible return date: October 29 (vs Manchester City).

Amad

Amad has been sidelined with a knee ιnjury since July. He has been working hard оn his recovery, sharing positive updates on social media in recent weeks, hinting that a return might not be too far away.

A concrete timescale, however, has not been announced by the Reds.

Possible return date: Unknown.