Manchester United hopeful over Amad Diallo return this season as Ruben Amorim delivers new injury update | OneFootball

Depleted Red Devils could remain without as many as 10 players for Premier League clash with Arsenal

Ruben Amorim is hopeful that Amad Diallo can return from injury for Manchester United before the end of the season, while he has also not ruled out a start for Chibo Obi against Arsenal.

The injury was expected to keep the Ivorian winger sidelined for the remainder of the campaign to compound a lingering United injury crisis that has not helped their persistently disappointing form, with his manager saying he would “for sure” not play again this season.

However, the 22-year-old has obviously taken strides in his recovery since then, with Amorim now seemingly optimistic that he may be yet be back in action before the current Premier League campaign draws to a close in late May.

Lisandro Martinez will definitely not play again this term though, while the manager also had updates on the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, Luke Shaw and Mason Mount, with Altay Bayindir and Jonny Evans similarly sidelined of late. None of that group are currently expected to return against Arsenal on Sunday.

Depleted United named a threadbare squad of just 18 players to travel to Spain for Thursday night’s Europa League last-16 first-leg draw with Real Sociedad instead of the usual 23, with young midfielder Toby Collyer making his return from injury off the bench and January signing Patrick Dorgu available amid a domestic suspension following his sending off against Ipswich that will rule him out this weekend.

Delivering a new team news update from San Sebastian ahead of that visit of resurgent Arsenal to Old Trafford, Amorim said: "I think it's just Amad and Martinez (who won't be back this season). Even Amad, we will see in the end of the last month.

"He could be... I don't want to say nothing, but I have the hope to have Amad before the end of the season. We'll see.

"Lisandro is out, Kobbie can return [before the end of the season]. Maguire we have to be careful. Manu [Ugarte] will return. I think Luke Shaw and Mason Mount can return also. We'll see."

Another player who didn’t feature against Sociedad was teenage striker Obi, whose rise to first-team status at United amid that aforementioned injury crisis came just after the deadline for the three additions the club could make to their Europa League squad ahead of the knockout stages, with Dorgu and youngsters Ayden Heaven and Jack Fletcher replacing January loan exits Marcus Rashford, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

“Everybody can start,” the Portuguese said when asked if he could think about starting Obi against Arsenal amid Rasmus Hojlund’s ongoing struggles in front of goal. “If they are training tomorrow, if they play today, they can be ready. Chido is on the list, so he can play.”