As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe has been spotted on the Carrington training ground as he makes his long-awaited return from injury.
The 25-year-old was a member of Erik ten Hag’s preseason squad last year after returning from a loan with Napoli, but due to injury, he was forced to leave the tour early. He did not play for Erik ten Hag’s team in any of the preseason games.
Tuanzebe has been recovering by himself ever since, but on Thursday he was seen running on the Carrington grass as he prepares to make his long-awaited comeback.
When Ten Hag’s first-team squad left for Spain, Tuanzebe stayed behind in Manchester to continue his recovery. Tuanzebe hopes to resume competitive play in the second half of the season.
Although the academy graduate hasn’t featured for United since the 2021 Europa League game, he still might have a slim chance to win over Ten Hag. While Harry Maguire needs a break after leading England to the quarterfinal, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, who will represent France and Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, are both still in Qatar.
Tuanzebe might be needed against Burnley as Victor Lindelof is the only senior center-back who did not go to the World Cup. If Tuanzebe can demonstrate his fitness before then, United may need him.
Erik ten Hag’s side will face Burnley in the Carabao Cup on December 21, followed by a match against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League six days later.
