Antonio Valencia could make a surprise return for Manchester United during the clash with Arsenal on the weekend. The Ecuador international was thought to be out for a further two weeks but is reportedly making a swift recovery from his injury and could be in line to return on Saturday (via The Daily Mail).
Manchester United are having a mini defensive crisis ahead of Saturday’s match against Arsenal. Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling and Antonio Valencia were all set to miss the clash but it seems that Valencia could make a shock return.
The Ecuador international has been sidelined since breaking his arm against Manchester City on 27 October. Valencia was thought to be out for a further two weeks but The Daily Mail reports that the 31-year-old has made a quick recovery.
Valencia had surgery on the injury two weeks ago and the news that he is set to return will delight his manager. Jose Mourinho doesn’t exactly have patience with injury-prone players, that much has been clear with his treatment of Luke Shaw in recent weeks, and Valencia’s willingness to return ahead of schedule will please the Portuguese.
United are still expected to be without Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling at the back, and Mourinho could also be forced to pick his side without Marouane Fellaini as well.
It’s an eagerly-awaited match for both teams but the two managers are sweating on the injury front. Mourinho will have to name a second-string defence while Arsene Wenger could be without star man Alexis Sanchez given his current situation with the Chilean national team. It’s a huge match but we’ll have to wait and see who plays for both teams.