The Europa League final is just a week away, and Manchester United will hope to have a fully fit squad.
Ruben Amorim has had the unexpected privilege over the past few months of having a sole focus on success in the Europa League.
This has led to success so far, with performances in Europe being far superior to those in the Premier League this season. Due to this, Manchester United have silverware to play for over the coming week in the Europa League final
However, Amorim took a risk during United’s 2-0 defeat against West Ham by starting some key first-team players such as Leny Yoro. This saw Yoro withdrawn with an injury for United in a potentially devastating blow ahead of the final in Bilbao.
The 19-year-old French defender limped off the pitch in tears as he was visibly gutted by the blow. Amorim was on the sidelines with his head in his hands after speaking with the physio, which led to fears of the worst.
Now, just one week out, what is the latest with Yoro’s fitness?
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Leny Yoro at Carrington ahead Europa League final
After Sunday’s game, Yoro left Old Trafford without a protective boot, which gave hope that it was not as bad as first assumed.
However, open training on Wednesday saw Yoro missing, along with Matthijs de Ligt, while Diogo Dalot was involved.
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But while first-team training was going on, Daily Mail journalist Nathan Salt tweeted to reveal that he had seen Yoro.
“Just spotted Leny Yoro heading into the gym at Carrington to do his own fitness work away from the main group. Hopefully, a positive sign.”
He then added below, after being asked whether Yoro was walking or limping, that the £52m defender was walking.
To be working individually suggests Yoro’s injury is not as serious as first feared, and therefore, there are positive signs that he might be back for the final, perhaps even if United can get him fit enough for one game before the campaign concludes.
How Manchester United’s back three should line-up in Europa League final
United have a very strong defensive group when at full function; however, heading into the final and the options are far from ideal.
Assuming Yoro is fit to return, he will likely start on the left of the back three with both Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martinez still out.
In the centre, Harry Maguire is one of the first names on the team sheet, and Amorim simply must keep him fit with De Ligt’s return status unknown.
On the right of the three, Noussair Mazraoui completes the back-line. With Dalot hopefully returning at right wing-back to avoid Victor Lindelof starting with Mazraoui further forward.
This starting trio is good enough to beat Spurs, so hopefully it is available to Amorim.