Manchester United receive Alejandro Garnacho injury boost ahead of Aston Villa fixture

Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho took part in first-team training on Friday afternoon at Carrington, hinting that he could be available for selection against Aston Villa this weekend.

Garnacho has been absent with injury since United's draw against Southampton in the Premier League on March 12. The winger was forced to leave the pitch and was spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches.

Erik ten Hag, speaking on Wednesday, confirmed the youngster had returned to playing on grass this week and he's now been pictured taking part in a full session with the main group, suggesting his rehabilitation is almost complete.

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Garnacho, who has signed a new contract and extended his stay at the club until the summer of 2028, was not available for the trip to Tottenham on Thursday night, but he could return to the matchday squad to play Aston Villa on Sunday.

The 18-year-old is set to have an important role to play during the remainder of the season after Ten Hag confirmed the club will not allow him to participate in the Under-20 World Cup for Argentina next month.

There had been suggestions in Argentina, where the tournament starts on May 20, that Garnacho would be included in coach Javier Mascherano's squad and miss United's run-in.

"No, we don’t release him," Ten Hag clarified. "He will return tomorrow in team training, partially. Then we will have to see when he can return totally in the training, and back into games."

Garnacho has scored four times for United this season and provided five assists.

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