Manchester United handed double injury boost ahead of crucial Arsenal title race clash
Manchester United have confirmed a significant double injury boost ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture against Arsenal.
The Reds have announced that defender Lisandro Martinez and forward Marcus Rashford have both returned to first-team training, readying themselves for the clash at Old Trafford. Martinez, an Ajax import nearly two years ago, has been absent since the 1-1 draw with Brentford on March 30.
He had just made his comeback from a knee injury in the Brentford match when he was hit with a calf issue. The Argentine's season has been marred by a series of serious injuries, limiting him to only 11 appearances across all competitions.
A recurring foot problem kept him out of action between September and January, an issue he initially picked up against Sevilla in April last year. He made his return against Tottenham Hotspur on January 14 but was soon back on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury in the 3-0 victory over West Ham United at Old Trafford on February 4.
In total, he has featured in just nine Premier League matches this season. His absence has been keenly felt in the heart of United's defence with his exceptional performances last season leaving a void this, as United missed his ball-playing abilities.
Rashford has also made a return to Carrington training after sitting out the last three matches. He was forced off the pitch during the FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City at Wembley last month and subsequently missed the following matches against Sheffield United, Burnley and Crystal Palace.
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United boss Erik ten Hag is set to face the press at his pre-match briefing on Friday lunchtime, where he will provide an update on whether Martinez or Rashford, or possibly both, will feature against the Gunners. The Reds are eager to return to their winning form after a couple of disappointing results in their last two outings.