New Delhi: In a desperate bid to salvage the season, Manchester United have recieved a major boost ahead of the Europa League 2024-25 final against fellow English club Tottenham Hotspur. Both teams – part of the “Big Six” club in the Premier League – have endured a horror league campaign with United, the 20-time champions lying in 16th and Spurs sitting a spot above the relegation zone in 17th.
Europa League, the second-tier European competition, thus provides a golden opportunity to salvage a horrendous season and qualify for the Champions League next season.
Injuries have marred the seasons of both teams, and the return of key players for the most important match is a welcome sign. Man United, in this case, is the fortunate team, receiving a triple injury boost ahead of the final in Bilbao on Wednesday.
Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, French defender Leny Yoro and Portuguese right-back Diogo Dalot have returned to first-team training ahead of the marquee clash. The trio was pictured with the United first team in the final session before leaving for Bilbao.
Can late injury boost help United salvage a dismal season?
Zirkzee, who was injured on April 13, was expected to be out for the season, but his early recovery comes as good news for United fans. While Zirkzee has scored only three goals, he was picking up strong form before the hamstring injury.
Yoro and Dalot took part in the first-team training at Carrington. While Yoro suffered an injury during the loss to West Ham United in the Premier League on May 11, Dalot has been sidelined for close to a month.
The return of the trio means that only Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez are out of the squad for the final.
Man United are looking to win their second Europa League trophy after the success in 2017. The Red Devils reached the final in 2021, too, but lost to Villarreal.
Meanwhile, Spurs are gunning for their first trophy since winning the FA Cup in 2008.
Manchester United have received a major injury boost ahead of the high-stakes Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
