Amad pictured in training in February. (Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
Ruben Amorim initially suggested Amad would be out for the remainder of the season with his injury.
Amad sustained an ankle problem during Manchester United training last month and it was a huge blow to hear the winger would be unavailable for the most important stage of the campaign.
However, Amorim revealed just a few weeks later that Amad could return before the end of the campaign. "We'll see in the end of the last month," he said after the 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad. "I don't want to say anything to you, but I have the hope to have Amad before, we'll see."
Amorim provided supporters with hope they didn't expect to have with Amad, who was the favourite to be given the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award before his ankle injury.
Bruno Fernandes has surged to favouritism to win the POTY award again in the last few weeks while Amad has been sidelined, but the 22-year-old could still have a part to play this season, especially after teasing his return on social media with a simple message on Monday.
Does anyone speak the language of emojis? Amad posted a picture of himself alongside a sand timer and smiley face emoji, and that has been widely considered as an encouraging sign.
United have nine games remaining in the Premier League, but the league campaign has been written off. More importantly, Amad might return in time to feature in the Europa League if United win their quarter-final tie against Lyon next month.
Lyon effortlessly brushed aside FCSB 7-1 on aggregate in the round of 16 and will be difficult opponents, but United have made clear signs of progress in their recent matches.
The Europa League semi-final first leg will be played on May 1 and the second leg seven days later, so it's likely Amad is trying to build up his fitness in time for those dates.
Being available for the last four ties will be added motivation for Amad as he looks to complete his rehabilitation and return to help United reach the competition's final.
This campaign has been bleak and can only be salvaged by winning the Europa League, which would ensure a trophy and grant entry into the Champions League for next season.
Amad was outstanding before he picked up his injury in training and could make the difference in a semi-final tie. United have to get there by beating Lyon, of course, but Amad has nine goals and seven assists this season and is the kind of player who can produce a moment of magic.
He scored the matchwinner against Manchester City in December, the equaliser against Liverpool at Anfield and netted a sensational hat-trick in 10 minutes against Southampton. Even if Amad missed the remainder of the season, his 2024/2025 highlight reel would still be a special watch, and he's taken huge steps forward this term after being in and out of the team.
Amad has been one of the only bright sparks in a brutal campaign and supporters are hoping he can soon return. That will hinge on his progress at Carrington in the coming weeks and whether United have progressed to the Europa League semi-finals.
There will be no point in rushing Amad back if United crash out of the Europa League, but a percentage of risk may be deemed acceptable if he could make a difference in a semi-final.