Anthony Martial separated from Man Utd main group to train on own as striker battles back from injury layoff
ANTHONY MARTIAL has been spotted doing individual training as he edges closer to a return from injury.
The Manchester United forward has not featured in the first team since the Manchester derby on January 14, owing to a hip injury.
Martial, 27, has struggled for fitness throughout the season, having played just 14 times all season.
Indeed, following the 3-0 win against Leicester last weekend, January signing Wout Weghorst has now played more Premier League games for Man Utd this season than Martial.
However, when Martial does play, Man Utd look like a far better team and his own record is impressive, with six goals and two assists in nine starts and five substitute appearances.
Boss Erik ten Hag has previously used individual training to get players into gear before returning to the first team, as seen with Jadon Sancho.
Now Ten Hag has chosen to use the same method on Martial to help boost the Frenchman’s return.
Ahead of the Europa League play-off second leg against Barcelona, Ten Hag confirmed Martial would not be available, while providing an update on two other stars.
He said: “I expect to have [Harry] Maguire and Antony back.
“Anthony Martial is not available. He is back on the pitch, we wait for team training.”
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In Sancho’s case, the move to give him an individual training regime has paid dividends.
The 22-year-old has scored twice in five games since his return to the team.