Amorim reveals Amad Diallo could return BEFORE the end of the season

Amad Diallo could make his comeback from injury before the end of the season, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has revealed.

Diallo was ruled out for the rest of the campaign after damaging ankle ligaments in training last month and undergoing surgery.

The injury was a huge setback to United after the Ivory Coast international emerged as a key player in Amorim’s system, scoring six goals under the new Portuguese coach.

But Amorim has raised hopes that Diallo could return before the end of the season in late May after making good progress in his recovery.

‘Amad we will see in the last month,’ said the United boss ahead of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal at Old Trafford. ‘I don’t want to say anything, but I have the hope to have Amad before the end of the season. Let’s talk about Sunday and we’ll see.’

After having just five outfield players on the bench for Thursday night’s Europa League draw with Real Sociedad, Amorim isn’t expecting anyone back for Arsenal.

However, Mason Mount is nearing a comeback having not played since the Manchester derby in mid-December, and Amorim believes his other injured players such as Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte and Luke Shaw will also be back with the exception of Lisandro Martinez who is out for the season.

Amorim added: ‘Lisandro is out. Kobbie can return. Maguire we have to be careful. Manu will return. I think Luke Shaw and Mason Mount can return also. They are definitely going to return, especially Mason Mount.’

Amorim must decide whether to start Chido Obi against Arsenal after the teenage striker was ineligible against Sociedad. Rasmus Hojlund’s goal drought continued into its 21st hour in San Sebastian and the Dane also rowed on the pitch with teammate Diogo Dalot.

‘Everybody can start,’ said Amorim. ‘If they are training tomorrow, if they play today, they can be ready – and Chido is on the list so he can play.

‘When you are in this kind of club you cannot think like that (about rotation) with a small squad in this moment. We are trying to see all the players who are fresh and who are not in danger of getting an injury. Even with that, we have to risk a little bit but we have to be competitive on Sunday.’