Manchester United have received a significant boost just hours before the Europa League final, with Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, and Diogo Dalot all returning to training. This timely return offers manager Ruben Amorim more options for the crucial match against Tottenham in Bilbao, especially considering the players were previously considered serious injury doubts.
For Zirkzee, 23, his return is particularly surprising. He was initially expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering a hamstring injury during the match against Newcastle on April 13. Manager Ruben Amorim had even stated that the Dutchman would not play again this season and the focus would be on preparing him for the next campaign. However, Zirkzee`s recovery has been quicker than anticipated, providing a welcome boost to the team`s attacking depth.
Defender Leny Yoro, 19, who picked up an injury in the 2-0 home loss to West Ham on May 11, has also been declared fit enough to participate in full training. His availability strengthens the defensive options for the final.
Additionally, full-back Diogo Dalot is back after nursing a calf issue since the 1-0 defeat to Wolves at Old Trafford on April 20. Dalot has been a regular player under Amorim, and his return provides a reliable option on the flank.
Despite these positive injury updates, Manchester United will still be without several players for the final. Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in February. Matthijs de Ligt is also not expected to recover in time for the match in Bilbao.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou also faces injury challenges. Key creative players James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are ruled out due to knee injuries. Lucas Bergvall is listed as a major doubt with an ankle problem, and Radu Dragusin remains a long-term absentee. The return of the United trio gives them a significant advantage in terms of squad depth for the highly anticipated final.
Marcus Bellamy