Manchester United have been handed a major injury boost as Antonio Valencia has returned to training after being absent due to a hamstring injury. The Ecuadorian has completed a full training session in United’s warm weather training camp in Dubai. (The Mirror)

Valencia suffered the injury setback during Man United’s game against West Bromwich Albion on December 17. The injury forced the veteran to miss the crucial festive fixtures. Barring any further setbacks, Valencia will be available for United’s home clash with the managerless Stoke City on Monday.

Valencia was forced off against West Brom and was replaced by Marcos Rojo, with United eventually winning the game to seal 3 points. Jose Mourinho earlier referred to the injury as a ‘December injury’ and said that it was purely down to the fixture pile up.

Jose said following that game:

“It is a December injury. Everyone is at risk because of the accumulation, It is normal.”

“We need to recover but at the same time we also need to train because during this crazy time we have not had many times to work on details that you want to work on,” he added.

The 10-day break comes as a big bonus as the team would have ample time to relax and recover to be ready for the rest of the season. The league is completely out of our reach but we still have the FA Cup and the Champions League to focus on and Valencia’s return comes at a perfect time.

Jose will be hoping that the boys go out there and win against Stoke after a good period of rest at a vital stage of the season.

Antonio Valencia is such an important figure in our team and his return will surely boost our performances on the pitch as we look to solidify our position in the table.