Anthony Martial injury: Progress & potential return date for Man Utd striker

We're creeping into 2024 yet we're still talking about Anthony Martial as a Manchester United player. Lunacy.

For a club whose desperate need for a supposed 'overhaul' has been documented time and time again over the past decade, it's pretty remarkable that a player who promised so much but contributed so little remains on the club's books. Perhaps there's still hope that Martial's projected Ballon d'Or form will come to pass.

Sure, it hasn't been all bad for the Frenchman in Manchester, and there genuinely was a time either side of the COVID-19 pandemic when Martial was a leading protagonist for the Red Devils. However, as Martial drifts into his ninth year at Old Trafford, the forward's career has declined into obscurity. So much so that barely anyone has noticed his recent absence.

For those still keeping track, here's the latest fitness updates on a player with more Premier League goals for Manchester United than David Beckham ever managed.

What injury does Anthony Martial have?

Martial has spent a number of weeks on the sidelines after undergoing surgery to correct a groin problem in late January and is currently rehabilitating in Manchester as he attempts to return before the end of the season.

The forward is out of contract at Old Trafford this summer and it looks increasingly unlikely that his deal will be renewed, especially given his torrid injury record.

When will Anthony Martial return from injury?

Man Utd stated that Martial would initially miss ten weeks after his surgery, but the 28-year-old is unlikely to feature until the end of March or early April. The striker has already missed a significant spell of action and hasn't featured for the Red Devils in 2024.

His last appearance came during Man Utd's embarrassing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in early December, one of only five Premier League starts he has made this term.

What Man Utd games has Anthony Martial missed due to injury?

Man Utd have been without Martial for 13 matches now, including their final Champions League group stage match against Bayern Munich, two FA Cup clashes and ten Premier League outings. Of those games, Ten Hag's men have won seven, despite a difficult period at the end of 2023.

Martial is likely to miss at least another four or five matches for the Red Devils, including this weekend's Manchester derby.

How have Man Utd done without Anthony Martial and who replaced him?

Martial's underwhelming displays this season mean that Man Utd haven't missed the forward too much, with the Red Devils having actually improved since his absence. After all, the former Monaco man has scored just two goals for the club this term.

Fortunately for Man Utd, £72m summer signing Rasmus Hojlund has been in great goalscoring form since the turn of the year, netting seven in his last six matches in all competitions. However, the Danish forward also finds himself in treatment room alongside Martial at present.

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