De Ligt, Zirkzee – Man United injury latest and predicted return dates vs Arsenal

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Michael Carrick has shared an injury update on Manchester United defender Matthijs de Ligt. (Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)

Injury setback: Matthijs de Ligt has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from a back injury that occurred in late November. Despite this delay, Michael Carrick remains hopeful that the defender will return to training within the next two weeks.
What Carrick has said: “He had a bit of setback before I arrived, only small but he was a little bit slower than we had liked,” said Carrick. “He’s getting closer and, hopefully, in the next couple of weeks he will be back and around it.”
No other blows: The squad’s overall health has improved significantly and several first-team players returned to action throughout January. This recovery phase has left the medical department with a much smaller list of long-term absentees.
Zirkzee absence: Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee remains unavailable for selection as he continues to deal with his own injury issue. He is expected to be side-lined for at least another couple of weeks before returning to the group.
Carrick update: De Ligt and Zirkzee are now the only senior members of the squad who, formally, remain listed on the injury table. “Everyone came through the game really well, I can’t tell you anything apart from the obvious, it’s been a good week,” Carrick said.
READ MORE: Manchester United injury update as defender suffers setback