Ruben Amorim has provided fresh confidence that Amad Diallo will return before the end of the season in a huge boost to his Manchester United side.
Prior to his injury, Amad had been one of the outstanding performers for Amorim’s side, providing a constant threat either from right wing-back or just behind the striker.
The Ivory Coast international notched up nine goals and seven assists this season, with his fine form rewarded with a bumper contract extension until 2030.
However, the 22-year-old’s season came to a crashing halt after he sustained a serious ankle injury in training.
Amad had to undergo surgery on the problem, with the United star suggesting he would be out of action for ‘a long time’.
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While no official timeline was given for Amad’s recovery, it was first feared that he could miss the rest of the season as he continued his rehabilitation.
Optimism grew in the week, however, when Amad posted a cryptic hint on social media which appeared to suggest that his recovery was going better than expected.
And Amorim appeared to confirm that news in his press conference on Monday, suggesting the Ivorian could well still play a part for United this season.
‘I don’t know, I think he’s going to play still,’ the Portuguese head coach said.
‘He’s still playing this season. I don’t know when, but we are really confident on that.’
While his return would still appear some weeks of, it would come as a welcome boost for Amorim’s side who have sorely missed the winger’s creativity.
Still languishing in 13th place in the league, the Red Devils face a busy schedule in the coming weeks, with the Manchester Derby coming just five days after the midweek clash with Forest.
Amorim’s side then travel to France for their first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie with Lyon on Thursday before a trip to St James’ Park to take on newly-crowned Carabao Cup winners Newcastle United the following Sunday.
‘It is really important for us to have these players available for us to fight. I think it is a very good moment in our season,’ Amorim conceded.
‘I know we will have at least three games in the Premier League that are really tough. The Europa League is also really important.
‘I don’t know which place we are going to finish in, but we want to win games. We still have matches to finish in a different position. We are more confident, so we are looking up. We want to win games and are looking up at the moment.’
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