De Ligt, Dalot and Diallo: Manchester United injury news and return dates ahead of Athletic Bilbao tie

Manchester United face Athletic Bilbao away on Thursday night in their upcoming Europa League semi-final tie. They then welcome the La Liga outfit to Old Trafford next week for the second leg. The Red Devils fought back to beat Lyon in dramatic fashion in the last round.

Ruben Amorim’s side don’t have too much to play for in the Premier League at the moment. They drew 1-1 away at AFC Bournemouth over the weekend. Next up in the league is a trip to London to play Brentford on Sunday.

Manchester United defensive issues

Diogo Dalot - out. United’s defender has picked up an injury to his calf. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to play again this season. Amorim has said: “There is a possibility [that he may not play again this season], but I don't know. We will check week-by-week, because he can recover quite well. He has a problem with the muscle in his calf.” Expected return date: 16/05/2025

Matthijs de Ligt - close. The centre-back has been sidelined with an ankle issue. They are being patient with the Holland international as they wait for the right time to throw him back in. His boss has said: “Matta is near, but the rest are at the same pace.” Expected return date: 04/05/2025

Ayden Heaven - out. The Red Devils signed him from fellow top flight side Arsenal in the January transfer window. He was snapped up as one for the future and has featured for the first-team already since his move before he picked up a knee issue. In this update pre-Bournemouth, his manager said: “Ayden is not ready” Expected return date: 04/05/2025

Lisandro Martinez - out. He is out with a long-term ACL injury which is a blow. It is yet to be known exactly when he will be fit again. His head coach said: “Licha is a difficult situation. He's going to be out for a while. We don't know the extent of the injury, but it's an injury that is going to take time.” Expected return date: 01/01/2026

Manchester United attacking woes

Amad Diallo - close. He suffered an ankle ligament injury back in February. The Ivory Coast international has been a key player for United in this campaign and has been missed over recent times. He has recently returned to individual training. Amorim said last week he was ‘near’ to his return. Expected return date: 11/05/2025

Joshua Zirkzee - out. The Red Devils signed him from Bologna last summer to boost their attacking ranks and handed him a deal until 2029. He has since scored seven goals in 49 outings in all competitions but he is injured now until the summer. Amorim has confirmed his season is over: “So, he’s not going to play more this season. Let’s prepare him for the next one. It’s tough, especially in this moment. I think he’s improving in all aspects of the game, so it’s hard for any player to stop.” Expected return date: 01/06/2025

Toby Collyer - close. The youngster has been in the treatment room over recent times but could return against Athletic Bilbao and/or Brentford which would be good news. He has played six league matches this term. His manager said earlier this month: “Toby has a small issue in his leg, so we hope to have him in a few weeks.” Expected return date: 01/05/2025