Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee has sparked life into suggestions that he could end up returning before the Europa League final.
Manchester United secured their place in the Europa League final after winning against Athletic Club in the semi-finals earlier this week.
Ruben Amorim’s side won 7-1 over two legs against the La Liga side – who were favourites heading into the game – and remain unbeaten in the competition.
The Reds won against Real Sociedad and Lyon in the earlier stages of the knockout stages and now prepare to return to Bilbao for the final, where they will face Tottenham Hotspur.
Amorim has certain players returning to full fitness, such as Mason Mount and Amad, although Joshua Zirkzee is one player who remains ruled out with injury.
Zirkzee gives injury update on Davies livestream
Zirkzee, 23, was finding some impressive form before he suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in a Premier League clash with Newcastle last month.
Amorim stated soon afterwards that the Dutch forward would miss the remainder of the campaign. “He is not going to play anymore this season. We must prepare him for next season,” he said.
However, the United forward has now shared his ambition to return to the pitch in time for the Europa League final, which is being played in less than two weeks on Wednesday, 21 May.
Speaking to former Bayern Munich teammate Alphonso Davies on his Twitch livestream, Zirkzee said that he is “trying to be back” for the final and that it is “not impossible, but going to be difficult.”
The full clip from the livestream can be viewed below.
This would not be the first time a player returned ahead of schedule for Amorim after Amad was ruled out for the season before returning to the pitch last week.
Amorim’s stance on Zirkzee return is clear
Right now, Rasmus Hojlund is the only striker option United have for the Europa League final as Chido Obi is not eligible to play in the competition.
That is one weakness Amorim’s side have, as the Danish forward hasn’t been in form lately even though he scored in the semi-final.
Zirkzee was playing much better before he suffered injury, but still, it seems like it would be a risk to throw the Dutchman back into the side even if he was to prove his fitness in time.
He would likely only be able to be an emergency option to have on the bench, especially with how seriously Amorim has been taking the injury recovery with his players.
Amad and Mount have both played several games now but are still having their minutes managed and the same would happen for Zirkzee if he was able to return in time for the final.
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