United's absentees are 'progressing'
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag feels the players missing for the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Nottingham Forest are on the road to recovery.
Diogo Dalot and Anthony Martial picked up injuries in the games against Charlton Athletic and Manchester City respectively, while Jadon Sancho will not be rushed back after his lay-off.
Axel Tuanzebe is, like Sancho, back in training but the manager accepts that more work needs to be undertaken at Carrington in order for him to be available for selection again.
"It's the same, they are back, on track, and they are progressing," he told club media, when asked about Dalot and Martial. "But, for tomorrow, not available."
When it comes to Sancho and Tuanzebe, the fact they have resumed training pleases Ten Hag but he did offer some caution. "Yes but, for them, comes the same [message]," he declared. "They are not available yet for games but they are progressing.
"Definitely, Axel, it was a long time that he was not available for matches or for training. Individual rehab was really hard for him. Then, you can understand, it takes time; back in training as well, and in team training, then you have to build up. So that will take weeks."
Donny van de Beek has already been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign, following knee surgery, but Casemiro is available for selection again after being suspended for Sunday's defeat at Arsenal..
United continue to have a hectic fixture schedule, with the second leg at home to Forest taking place next Wednesday, 1 February, following Saturday night's Emirates FA Cup tie with Reading.
The Carabao Cup game at Old Trafford is the first of the Reds' eight fixtures next month, with the last one being either the final of the competition, against Southampton or Newcastle United if we progress past Forest, or a Premier League meeting with Brentford.