Manchester United targeting FA Cup tie for up to four players to return

Manchester United are planning for several players to make their return from long-term injury in the FA Cup fourth round tie at Newport County or Eastleigh.

United are optimistic Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro and Mason Mount will be available to make their playing returns after long-term absences.

Harry Maguire could also make his comeback if he is not deemed fit enough to be included in the squad for the Premier League visit of Tottenham on Sunday.

Martinez has been sidelined for four months after requiring a second round of surgery on a metatarsal fracture and Casemiro has not played since November 1 due to a hamstring problem.

The South American duo have resumed team training but their participation last week was described as "partial" by United manager Erik ten Hag.

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Mount, out since November 11 with a calf injury, started outdoor training last month but he is yet to join in with his teammates' training sessions.

Maguire sustained a groin strain in the 1-0 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich four weeks ago but Ten Hag said he could "potentially" make the Spurs game. The Dutchman also revealed Luke Shaw and Christian Eriksen could be back this weekend.

United were without 11 players through injury and illness for their FA Cup third round defeat of Wigan Athletic on Monday night but they only have two more fixtures this month.

Non-league Eastleigh host League Two Newport next Tuesday to determine which side United will travel to in the next round on the weekend of January 27 and 28.