Video: Amad returns to Man United first-team training in major boost ahead of season-defining week | OneFootball

Amad was spotted in first-team training today at Carrington in a huge boost to Manchester United’s hopes of success in the Europa League this season.

In February, the 22-year-old winger was ruled out with a serious ankle injury in training which required surgery. Initially, the projected timeline for a return to full fitness had suggested Amad would be ruled out for the remainder of the season, with the player said to be focusing on next year already.

However, the Ivorian international has performed a miraculous recovery to return well ahead of schedule after featuring in training today – just in time for United’s season-defining Europa League semi-final this week.

The Red Devils travel to Bilbao to play Athletic Club in the first leg on Thursday evening. The Basque club are currently fourth in La Liga and are enjoying an impressive season under Enrnesto Valverde.

The final of the competition will also take place at the Estadio de San Mamés – Athletic’s home ground and the venue of tomorrow night’s clash.

Undoubtedly, the Spanish side will pose United’s strongest challenge in the Europa League this season with the Reds yet to lose a game in the competition.

But the prospect of being able to welcome back one of the team’s most important players in Amad could prove decisive in overcoming Athletic over the two legs.

However, the likelihood of the 22-year-old featuring as early as tomorrow night, having just returned to full first-team training today, is a low one.

Instead, the club are likely to be targeting the second leg at Old Trafford next week as a return date for the Ivorian winger.

Elsewhere, Matthijs de Ligt was also spotted in action at Carrington, having missed the last seven games with a foot injury.

The Dutch international had firmly established himself at the heart of Amorim’s defence prior to his enforced absence, so the head coach will be enjoying the welcome boost of not one but two key men returning to his squad ahead of a week which will make or break United’s season.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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