Manchester United’s Lisandro Martinez and Casemiro have returned to full training ahead of their FA Cup third round match against Wigan Athletic.

The two have struggled with fitness throughout the season.

Last season, the South American duo were two of Manchester United’s most important players, helping Erik ten Hag’s squad finish third and win the Carabao Cup.

Injuries have cut their seasons short, with Martinez out for the last three months.

Last season, he suffered a season-ending foot injury in April while playing in the Europa League against Sevilla.  

After undergoing surgery, he returned to the team for preseason, but his health worsened again in September, forcing a second procedure.

Due to a series of injuries in his backline, Hag has had to select eleven different center-half pairings this season, with the Argentina international starting only six games.

Martinez, who has been out since November, returned to full training with Casemiro this week. The Brazil international was injured during United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United at Old Trafford, putting his future at the club in doubt.

Ten Hag told reporters last week that Martinez and Casemiro will most likely return this month. United only plays two games in January because to the short mid-season break.

Next Monday, United will play Wigan in the third round before traveling to Tottenham in the Premier League on January 14th.

Ten Hag has also been without Harry Maguire and Mason Mount, however Tyrell Malacia is still expected to play this season despite sustaining a knee injury at the end of the 2022-23 season.

This month will also see the comeback of the trio.

‘We expect numerous players to return in mid-January,’ Ten Hag stated last week during a news conference. Tyrell Malacia, Mason [Mount], [Lisandro] Martinez, and Casemiro.

‘Of course, Harry Maguire is expected. A large number of players are likely to return in January.’