Manchester United have received a boost relating to Matthijs de Ligt’s recovery from injury as he nears a return to the pitch.
Matthijs de Ligt has played an important part for Manchester United this season but has been unavailable for the last six games through injury.
Before that, the Dutch centre-back had started nine consecutive games for Ruben Amorim’s side and earned praise for his form.
United’s depth at the back has improved due to the return of Luke Shaw and the improvements shown from the likes of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
However, ahead of an important period – with the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao – it would be extremely useful for Amorim to have De Ligt available.
De Ligt injury update as return date revealed
There have not been many updates surrounding De Ligt’s recovery although last week Amorim did state that the defender was “near” a return.
It has now been reported by the Manchester Evening News that the 25-year-old is set to return to United training this week.
Amad is also reportedly set to be back in team training at Carrington, with the two players closing in on returns to the pitch, although playing in the first-leg against Bilbao seems unlikely.
United travel to Spain later this week to face the Spanish team before hosting them at Old Trafford next Thursday.
Instead, the MEN report adds that United are hoping to give De Ligt and Amad minutes during the Premier League encounter with Brentford on the weekend to help them build fitness.
This will likely be in the hope that they can both then play a part in the all-important second-leg clash against Bilbao next week.
De Ligt and Amad could make Europa League difference
Amorim has taken a lot of care with injured players and has tried his best to limit the chances of them suffering setbacks in their recovery.
Amad and De Ligt are two important players for the team and could end up being the difference between losing and winning in this Europa League tie.
However, they will be no use to the Reds if they are not fully prepared to play in this first-leg and could instead end up being key if they manage to get minutes in their legs before the Old Trafford clash.
While a lot of the attention has understandably been on Amad coming back to the side, the boost that De Ligt’s return will offer is important for Amorim as well.
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