Wout Weghorst comments could be bad news for Anthony Martial at Manchester United

There could be an unfamiliar face in the Manchester United squad when they travel to face Newcastle this weekend: Anthony Martial.

The French forward has not played for United since a brief cameo against Nottingham Forest last month, and has only managed 14 appearances for them across all competitions in a season that offered so much.

Yet, even with his limited playing time, the 27-year-old still has six goals this campaign and impressed last summer as part of a fluid forward line that looked irresistible.

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"When he is there, he's really important for us because we play our best football when he is available," Erik ten Hag insisted back in January, though they haven't had that luxury enough this season.

Martial has missed 30 games this term through five separate absences, including hip, back, Achilles and hamstring problems. It has been 18 months since he last completed 90 minutes for United, and only one of his 14 appearances this season has lasted longer than 72 minutes.

The most talented players do not always make for the best side, and even when Martial is finally deemed match-ready again, there is no guarantee he will actually play.

Wout Weghorst has made the most of the Frenchman's latest setback, and in the last few days even acknowledged just how 'injury prone' his attacking rival has been.

"All Ten Hag said was that he needed a striker who could fit into his way of playing," Weghorst explained while on international duty. "Anthony Martial was his striker, and he was doing fine – but he is injury-prone, and the manager wanted all positions double-staffed. He certainly did not paint the picture as it is now."

After 18 consecutive starts, even the Dutchman