Image source: manutd.com
Kobbie Mainoo returned to Manchester United training on Tuesday after a three-week absence with a calf problem and could be in line to face Burnley at Turf Moor this evening. The 20-year-old midfielder last played as a substitute during the 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on 15 December before picking up the injury.
Kobbie Mainoo Back in Training and Could Feature Against Burnley Tonight
The midfielder has been sidelined with a calf problem he picked up before the trip to Aston Villa and subsequently missed the Boxing Day victory over Newcastle United, as well as the 1-1 draws with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United. Mainoo took part in the training session run by Darren Fletcher before United’s visit to Turf Moor, with the interim manager confirming the player would be assessed before a decision on his inclusion.
Fletcher told MUTV that Mainoo’s availability remains uncertain despite his return to training. “Kobbie Mainoo trained today, but we’ll see how he comes through tomorrow to see if he’s going to be in the squad,” Fletcher explained. The midfielder’s potential return would provide United with a further midfield boost after Fletcher confirmed that Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount should both be ready to feature again following their respective injury concerns.
Fernandes suffered a hamstring injury at Villa and had to sit out United’s festive fixtures, while Mount was withdrawn at half-time against Newcastle. United will still be without defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire for the Burnley encounter, while three players remain on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations having progressed to the competition’s quarter-finals with their respective nations.
Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo will meet on Friday evening when Morocco face Cameroon, with one guaranteed to exit the tournament. Amad, who has been one of the stars of this year’s edition, will take on Egypt with Ivory Coast on Saturday night as the competition reaches its crucial stages.
