Manchester United handed huge double injury boost ahead of Arsenal fixture but key duo still missing

Manchester United have been handed a double injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Arsenal this weekend.

Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford have both returned to first-team training at Carrington, in what is a huge boost for Erik ten Hag’s side ahead of the match.

Argentine defender Martinez has not featured since the 1-1 draw away at Brentford in late March and has only made 11 appearances all season due to his injury struggles. Rashford suffered an injury in the FA Cup semi-final clash with Coventry and has missed the subsequent three Premier League matches.

The double injury update is a huge boost to United ahead of their final four matches of the Premier League season as they look to secure European qualification and win an historic FA Cup title against Man City.

Martinez’s absence has been felt heavily all season in particular, with United having to field a makeshift defensive partnership on numerous occasions. A pairing of Jonny Evans and Casemiro was ran ragged against Crystal Palace in midweek, with United punished emphatically for their ongoing injury struggles.

Rashford’s potential return is also a help given United’s lack of options from the bench on Monday night, though based on recent form he would be fortunate to start ahead of either Alejandro Garnacho, Antony or Amad this weekend.

United are still sweating on the fitness of midfield duo Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay after they both missed the 4-0 defeat at Selhurst Park. The club’s ongoing injury issues were highlighted by how many youngsters were involved in the session, with Harry Amass, Louis Jackson, Habeeb Ogunneye, Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley all involved.