Michael Carrick has discussed the defensive situation at Manchester United, ahead of Monday's long-awaited return to action against Leeds United.
The Reds' clash with Daniel Farke's side is the final fixture of the Premier League matchweek, as Monday's 20:00 BST kick-off at Old Trafford is our first outing since the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on 20 March.
Harry Maguire, who has signed a new contract with the club, misses out on the game against our rivals from across the Pennines due to suspension, having received a red card at the Vitality Stadium.
However, Lisandro Martinez has rejoined the squad in Dublin, where we are enjoying a training camp designed to ensure maximum sharpness next week.
In an exclusive interview with club media's Sam Carney, which forms part of our latest Inside Carrington podcast episode, Carrick admitted that it was good timing to have Martinez back in the fold, as he has been out for the past five matches.
Mason Mount has also been able to get back to full fitness and will be pushing for inclusion, with this 89th-minute introduction at Bournemouth marking his first action since the Manchester derby in mid-January.
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is working hard on his recovery out in Ireland, while Matthijs de Ligt remains absent.
Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko are part of the group again, after being forced to withdraw from international duty.
“So you were saying about the break, it's actually worked in our favour in some ways, in terms of getting players back,”
our head coach explained.
“Mason’s in and around it as well, in training and he’s had that period of time to build that up.
”To have Licha in and around it again is good. Obviously, Harry’s going to miss the game so we’ve got Licha back around it, with Leny [Yoro] and Ayden [Heaven], and we just want to get stronger as a group really.
“So that's part of this, trying to use that to do that this week.”
LEEDS' TEAM NEWS
Although the Yorkshire side made it through to the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals by beating West Ham United at the London Stadium last weekend, it may have come at a cost.
The visitors are still looking over their shoulders, sitting four points clear of the relegation zone, in 15th place.
For all the euphoria in the capital on Sunday, Anton Stach was forced off in the first half and centre-back Joe Rodon was substituted after rolling his ankle.
Noah Okafor should be fine, after just suffering cramp.