Manchester United have announced that Mason Mount has returned to training following a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a calf injury.
The former Chelsea man has experienced a disrupted start to life at Old Trafford since arriving from the Blues last summer, playing just 12 times for Erik ten Hag's team and contributing one assist.
Mount had already spent a few weeks on the sidelines with a minor injury sustained against Tottenham Hotspur in August, although he was at Ten Hag's disposal for the whole of October.
However, the England international has now failed to appear for the Red Devils since a 1-0 win over Luton Town on November 11, spending the last four months out with a calf issue.
Mount has missed Man United's last 21 games across all competitions due to the severe injury, but on Tuesday morning, the Red Devils confirmed that the midfielder was finally back out on the Carrington pitches.
Back in the mix 🔀
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 12, 2024
Let's go, Mase! 🫡#MUFC pic.twitter.com/FN4K7PGiQR
The club also hailed Mount's "work ethic" during his lengthy rehabilitation and labelled the 25-year-old a "diligent professional", saying in an injury update: "Erik ten Hag's Manchester United squad has been boosted by Mason Mount's return to training.
"The 25-year-old's playing time has been limited by injury since joining from Chelsea last summer, but he has remained upbeat and positive throughout his rehabilitation.
"A diligent professional, Mount has worked closely with the club's medical staff and displayed a work ethic that helped him to become one of the most decorated young players in the game.
"The England international's return to fitness will bring great energy to the squad and the former Champions League winner cannot wait to get started again."
Mount could therefore be in contention to return to competitive action on Sunday, when Man United host Liverpool in their FA Cup quarter-final showdown, and Ten Hag will be pressed for an update in Friday's press conference.
© Reuters
However, speaking ahead of last weekend's 2-0 win over Everton, the Man United said that Mount would most likely return after the international break, in spite of the fact that the Englishman was in a "good spell".
The Dutchman has already confirmed that Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Rasmus Hojlund and Harry Maguire should be able to make their comebacks against the Reds, who will be Man United's final opponent before the international break.
All of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Anthony Martial remain on the sidelines, though, while young striker Omari Forson has also entered the treatment room with an unspecified concern.
Penalties from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes saw the Red Devils overcome Everton in Saturday's lunchtime kickoff, leaving Ten Hag's men sixth in the table, eight points behind Aston Villa and six worse off than Tottenham Hotspur, who have a game in hand.
Following the international hiatus, Man United travel to Brentford on March 30 before two intriguing clashes with Chelsea and Liverpool at the beginning of April.
Ben Knapton
