Amad is expected to return to Manchester United training this week as Rúben Amorim prepares his squad for the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao.
Manchester United are now gearing up to face Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final clash on Thursday afternoon, preparing for what is no doubt the most important game of Rúben Amorim’s tenure so far.
Last time out in the competition, United performed a miraculous comeback against Olympique Lyonnais after Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Harry Maguire scored three goals in seven minutes to secure a 7-6 win on aggregate for the Reds at Old Trafford.
However, the club have since failed to win across two Premier League ties, scoring just once as they lost 1-0 against Wolverhampton Wanderers while securing a last-gasp 1-1 draw against Bournemouth thanks to a late equaliser from Rasmus Højlund.
However, with all eyes now on the Europa League, United have a few days to prepare for the crunch clash against Bilbao before flying to Spain on Wednesday afternoon.
Amad due to return to training this week
With United’s most vital games of the season still left to play, Amorim will be hoping that United winger Amad will be able to return to action as soon as possible in May.
The 22-year-old Ivorian international sustained a freak ankle injury in training back in February and has since missed the last 10 weeks of action.
Despite Amorim initially ruling the winger out for the rest of the campaign, he has since made a rather miraculous recovery and was spotted in individual training earlier this month.
According to Fabrizio Romano, who is known to have close connections to the player, Amad is set to return to Manchester United training this week, as reported below on Thursday evening.
Can Amad play vs Bilbao?
The mixed news answering this question is that, as of Monday morning, there is no definitive answer. Amorim has developed a pattern of slowly reintegrating players back into his matchday squads after they return from lengthy injury lay-offs.
Those such as Luke Shaw, Mainoo, and Mason Mount have often been in full training for up to a week before returning to United’s matchday squads, meaning Amad may miss the trip to Spain if he returns this week and instead be involved in playing Brentford on Sunday afternoon.
Read More: Ruben Amorim hints that “quality” Manchester United star will NOT start vs Athletic Bilbao
However, should Amad return on Monday, having already completed a few weeks of individual fitness and strength training, the player may not require an extra week and could travel with the side to Spain.
Mainoo’s return to action occurred during the first leg against Lyon, when he travelled with the squad and came off the bench for a seven-minute cameo. Depending on Amad’s fitness, he may see a similar progression.
United are expected to announce their full travelling squad as the team heads off to Spain on Wednesday afternoon, with Amorim providing a full low-down of the winger’s fitness status during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday evening.
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