Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim does not believe Bruno Fernandes' injury will keep him out for very long but declined to put a timescale on his absence.
The Portugal international sustained a soft tissue injury in Sunday’s defeat by Aston Villa, after which Amorim said he feared his captain would be out for "a while".
However, ahead of the St Stephen's Day game against Newcastle, Amorim softened his view on the extent of Fernandes’ injury and also that of the calf problem sustained by Kobbie Mainoo who missed the Villa game.
"Not for this game," he said on the prospect of either being available.
"They are recovering. I don’t think that is going to take a lot of time. I think Kobbie will return faster than Bruno."
Asked for a timescale on Fernandes’ absence, Amorim added: "I don’t want to say, I have an idea but let’s see."
After Newcastle, United face bottom side Wolves, Leeds, Burnley and Brighton and it is a spell which they have to take advantage of before back-to-back games against Manchester City and Arsenal having won just two of their last eight league matches.
"I am confident we can win any game," Amorim said.
"Of course we have some problems, but even without many players in this moment in time I believe in the team and I believe we can win any game.
"Of course it is more difficult but I trust in my players and if we are really focused, we can win."
