Manchester United have been handed a massive double injury boost as star duo of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Antonio Valencia have returned to training after a long spell on the sidelines due to injury.
The World Cup winner with Germany last featured on 9 January when the Red Devils registered a narrow 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in the FA Cup. Meanwhile, the winger-turned right-back has been on the sidelines since October.
Both Valencia and Schweinsteiger have returned to training as United prepare for the crucial Europa League clash against Liverpool. The Old Trafford club’s manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed the return of the former Bayern Munich midfielder and the Ecuadorian international, but admitted that only the latter will be able to make it to the bench against Jurgen Klopp’s side.
In addition to this, the Dutchman also confirmed that several injured players are expected to return this month.
“Antonio Valencia and Bastian Schweinsteiger are coming back. I think a lot of players shall come back in the month of March,” Van Gaal explained.
“But when they come back, it is not so easy to decide if they can cope with the rhythm of a match because they are fit to train with us. For example, Schweinsteiger has only had one training session with us behind his back. Valencia has a week [behind him] so he is much closer to being on the bench, for example, but not to play a match as that’s different.
“I don’t think [any new players will be available] but Valencia is fit enough to be on the bench, but to play 90 minutes, I don’t think so.
“I shall always make my line-up in my eyes as the strongest line-up to play against the opponent. Nevertheless, I put youngsters sometimes in the line-up but then I think it’s the best solution. I also have to cope with the busy schedule so sometimes I spare and rotate players because of that.”
The training pictures are given below:
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