Amad Diallo is nearing a return to full training ahead of Manchester United’s Europa League semi-final tie vs Athletic Bilbao
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim delivered a mixed injury update ahead of the Premier League game against Bournemouth on Sunday.
On one hand, he confirmed that Diogo Dalot—one of the team’s most consistent players—has suffered a calf injury that could rule him out for the rest of the season. The Portugal international has been a regular fixture in Amorim’s XI, so his injury is a big blow for the team.
On the other hand, the Red Devils boss stated that Amad Diallo is nearing a return to first-team training along with Matthijs de Ligt, who has missed the last few games with an unspecified injury.
“Amad is near, Matta is near, but the rest is at the same pace,” Amorim told in his pre-match presser on Saturday ahead of the trip to Bournemouth.
Amad Diallo impressed for Manchester United before his injury in February, netting nine goals and assisting eight in 36 games across all competitions. He was finally enjoying his breakout season for the Red Devils and had become one of the crucial cogs in Amorim’s attack. However, an ankle ligament injury struck back in February, and the winger was expected to miss the rest of the season.
In a positive update, the Ivory Coast international is set to return to training next week ahead of the first leg of the Europa League semi-final tie against Athletic Bilbao at San Mames. The 22-year-old’s return from injury will add a much-needed attacking punch to Amorim’s squad.
One of the No. 10 roles just behind the striker suits Amad the best. His ability to drift out wide or move in centrally and then create chances simply adds a different attacking dynamic for Man Utd compared to when he isn’t available. Reintroducing the African starlet now would help to fill the void left by Joshua Zirkzee’s season-ending injury.
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Amorim’s side has struggled in front of goal throughout the season, especially in recent weeks, as they went scoreless in defeats to Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Amad’s inclusion can elevate their attack whilst sharing the creative burden off skipper Bruno Fernandes’ shoulders. Tactically, he offers plenty of versatility, as the ex-Atalanta man can also be used as a right wing-back in Dalot’s absence.
Amid not the best of situations for the club, Amorim’s injury update on Amad is a massive lift ahead of the Europa League semi-final tie with Bilbao.