Man United injury list: Players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for next game vs. Chelsea

Michael Carrick is facing a decisive run of games at the end of Manchester United's season.

Man United injury list: Players out, potential return dates, predicted lineup for next game vs. Chelsea originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.Michael Carrick enjoyed a strong start to life as Manchester United interim manager, but now, the pressure is on to deliver Champions League qualification over their remaining games.Ruben Amorim was sacked on January 5, the day after a 1-1 draw at Leeds United after which the Portuguese went public with his apparent frustrations at the way things were being done at the club.Darren Fletcher took charge for the 2-2 Premier League draw at Burnley and the 2-1 FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion — a result that effectively ended any remaining hope of silverware this season.Carrick has since done an effective job in steadying the ship and steering United towards the top five.

They sit third in the standings ahead of this weekend, with a seven-point gap to Chelsea in sixth. However, after winning only one of their past four matches, their remaining six games will be decisive.Here is how their injury list looks, when they can expect players to be back, and what their predicted lineup looks like for their next game.MORE:Should Michael Carrick get the permanent Man United managerial job?Man United injury listBelow is the latest injury picture for Man United, and estimated return dates for those who are sidelined.Kobbie MainooInjury: KnockExpected return date: April 18 (vs.

Chelsea)Mainoo had been ever-present under Carrick until a knock in a training camp in Ireland last week caused him to sit out the Leeds defeat. The manager said he was doing "little bits" in training and that there is "a decision to be made" in terms of his involvement at Chelsea.Matthijs de LigtInjury: Lower backExpected return date: UncertainDe Ligt has not featured since the reverse fixture at Palace at the end of November. Carrick has insisted for a few weeks that the player is "getting there", but the back issue is proving difficult to overcome.

He missed the Netherlands' international fixtures in March and is still yet to return to full training.Patrick DorguInjury: HamstringExpected return date: April 27 (vs. Brentford)Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury during the second half of the win at Arsenal, in which he scored a spectacular goal. The Athletic reported on January 27 that the winger could be out for up to 10 weeks.

Carrick later confirmed it would be at least "a few weeks," although he would not speculate on a precise time frame. Dorgu returned to individual training on the pitch in the opening days of April, and while Carrick is happy with his recovery, the player is not expected back just yet.Man United suspension listHarry MaguireSuspension length: Two games (red card, improper conduct)Expected return date: April 27 (vs. Brentford)Maguire was shown a straight red card against Bournemouth after being judged to have pulled Evanilson to the ground and denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

Such an offence carries a one-game ban as it was not serious foul play, causing him to miss the Leeds game. However, Maguire was then hit with an improper conduct charge, which means he will also be suspended for the Chelsea match.Lisandro MartinezSuspension length: Three gamesExpected return date: May 9 (vs. Sunderland)Martinez was shown a red card for pulling Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair in the loss to Leeds, with the offence considered violent conduct under the rules.

That means, assuming United do not successfully appeal against the decision, he must serve a three-match ban and miss the matches against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool.Man United predicted lineup vs. ChelseaFormation: 4-2-3-1Lammens (GK)Dalot, Yoro, Heaven, ShawCasemiro, MainooAmad Diallo, Fernandes, CunhaMbeumoMan United fixture schedule: Next five gamesChelsea vs. Man United | Premier League | Saturday, April 18Man United vs.