Anthony Martial provides injury update as Manchester United forward edges closer to making a return

United are a massive 15 points behind runaway title favourites Manchester City after being held by Leicester and Burnley
Jose Mourinho has been provided with a massive boost ahead of Manchester United’s showdown with Southampton.

Second-place United are a massive 15 points behind runaway Premier League title favourites Manchester City after being held by Leicester and Burnley over Christmas.

But Mourinho’s men will be looking to reduce the gap and end the year on a high when they take on the Saints at Old Trafford.
And the good news for the Portuguese boss is that Anthony Martial is back in training, writes Manchester Evening News reporter Alex Porter .




The Frenchman missed the 2-2 Boxing Day draw with Burnley with what was reported as a ‘minor knee problem’ sustained against Leicester two days before Christmas.

But Martial was pictured taking part in Thursday’s training session at Carrington as Mourinho continues preparations for the Premier League clash at Old Trafford on Saturday evening.
The 22-year-old has scored eight goals so far this season and was a big miss against Burnley with United lacking creativity in the final third.
Matteo Darmian was also missing on Boxing Day with a minor injury but has now returned to training and could provide Mourinho with an extra option if Antonio Valencia’s absence continues. The Ecuadorian picked up a hamstring injury against West Brom.
It is a timely boost for United, with three other players still in the treatment room.

Eric Bailly is a long-term absentee and ankle surgery is expected to keep him on the sidelines until February or March.
Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick are also in the middle of lengthy absences.

Carrick is recovering from a heart problem and has not played since the Carabao Cup game against Burton Albion in September – his only appearance so far this season.

Fellaini, who is out of contract in the summer and free to negotiate with overseas clubs from next month, has been out since the end of November and is not expected back over the festive period.

Source:www.mirror.co.uk