Kylian Mbappe
March 2026
Real Madrid confirmed Mbappe has a sprain in his left knee and is being treated conservatively, putting focus on his availability for the Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City. The club said specialist examinations confirmed the diagnosis and the plan is non-surgical management, with availability dependent on how the injury evolves.
Florian Wirtz
March 2026
Slot said Wirtz is likely to miss more time with a back injury that has already kept him out of wins over Nottingham Forest and West Ham.
The back problem began in the warm-up before Forest; despite a strong January run (four goals, two assists), Slot indicated the Wolves league and FA Cup games may come too soon to risk him.
Andre Onana
February 2026
Onana is expected to return from Trabzonspor and fight to regain United’s starting goalkeeper role rather than push for a permanent exit. After being dropped early in the season and loaned out following Lammens’ arrival, Onana’s camp believes a fresh opportunity could open with management uncertainty, and he plans to compete for the shirt.
James Milner
February 2026
Milner revealed a complication from a routine knee operation led to a serious issue where he could not lift his foot or toes for six months. What was expected to be a short absence became a long layoff due to post-operation complications affecting function in his foot and toes.
Matthijs de Ligt
February 2026
Carrick confirmed De Ligt’s back problem has been slow to progress, leaving him still out and without a clear comeback timeline. Carrick said the nature of the back issue makes timing hard to pin down, but insisted De Ligt is moving in the right direction and “definitely improving.”
Neymar
February 2026
Neymar returned from injury and played 90 minutes, but drew criticism for under-par form and being blamed for the opening goal as Santos were knocked out by a Serie B opponent. Critics argue his current role disrupts the team’s structure and want him to adapt, while Vojvoda publicly backed his fitness, confidence, and gradual improvement as Neymar targets a Brazil recall for the 2026 World Cup.
Kylian Mbappé
February 2026
Mbappe is expected to miss Real Madrid’s Champions League play-off second leg vs Benfica after suffering knee pain in training. Reports say tests made it “impossible” for him to play, contradicting Arbeloa’s earlier claim that Mbappe was ready, leaving Madrid to defend a 1-0 first-leg lead without their star.
Lisandro Martínez
February 2026
Michael Carrick said Lisandro Martinez picked up a minor issue in training and was left out at Everton; United still won 1-0 and stayed in strong form. Carrick said it “doesn’t seem too bad,” with sources suggesting a calf problem that could sideline Martinez up to two weeks. Yoro started alongside Maguire and United kept a rare away league clean sheet, with Sesko scoring late to secure the points.
Lisandro Martínez
February 2026
Lisandro Martinez was pulled from the squad with a calf injury, with a short layoff expected. United sources said the issue could keep him out up to two weeks, ruling him out of Everton and likely Crystal Palace, with Newcastle “touch and go.” Yoro stepped into the lineup.
