Anthony Martial separated from Man Utd main group to train on own as striker battles back from injury lay-off
ANTHONY MARTIAL has been training on his own as he edges closer to a return to action.
The Manchester United forward has not featured in the first team since the Manchester derby on January 14 due to a hip injury.
Martial, 27, has played just 14 times all season, and January signing Wout Weghorst has now played more Premier League games than the Frenchman.
Martial’s record when he does play is impressive, with six goals and two assists in nine starts and five substitute appearances.
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 he has chosen to use the same method on Martial to help boost the Frenchman’s return.
Ahead of Thursday’s 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.