Ruben Amorim is interviewed by MUTV.
Ruben Amorim could give Leny Yoro his debut away at Arsenal. (Image: Manchester United Football Club/MUTV.)
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has suggested it is unlikely Leny Yoro will start tonight's Premier League clash with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, insisting his minutes have to be 'controlled'.
The Frenchman, who joined United from Lille in the summer, was included in the squad that travelled to London on Tuesday afternoon, strengthening his chances of making his long-awaited competitive debut for the club.
The centre-back has been sidelined since July after suffering a fractured metatarsal in United's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in their opening game of their pre-season tour of the United States. Amorim, speaking at Monday's press conference, confirmed the defender was in a "good moment" and that "his fitness was better."
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United have been managing Yoro's recovery carefully, so much so he has not been involved in every first-team training session since he was permitted to start training on the grass at Carrington again. For example, when United trained in front of the media last Wednesday ahead of their Europa League clash with Bodo/Glimt the following evening, Yoro was on a designated recovery day.
But having been included in the travelling squad for the clash with Mikel Arteta's side, there is a strong chance he could make his United bow in the capital. However, Amorim has hinted that it may be too soon for him to be involved from the start.
Amorim, speaking to club media, said: "He is so much better physically. We are taking care of him because he is so important for us.
"Maybe he will be in the squad to London, but we have to control the minutes because he was too long without any games. Maybe he will be in our squad."
United will head into the contest with the Gunners light on options at the back after Luke Shaw announced he had suffered a fresh setback on Tuesday evening. Lisandro Martinez is also unavailable through suspension.
It is understood youngster Godwill Kukonki will be included in the matchday squad for the first-time. The 16-year-old was part of the travelling squad that made the journey to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town last month.