Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof has returned to full training after missing the opening games of the Red Devils’ pre-season tour due to fitness concerns.
United faced off against Premier League rivals Arsenal in the United States on Sunday, falling to a 2-1 defeat against the Gunners despite taking the lead through Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund was withdrawn later in the game because of injury, as was United’s new £52m signing Leny Yoro, who will compete with Lindelof for minutes in the centre of United’s defence.
Lindelof was also absent for the pre-season games against Rosenborg and Rangers, but United have confirmed that the Swede is back in full training and could be ready to face La Liga outfit Real Betis on Thursday.
“Well it’s super important,” Lindelof said when asked about the benefits of a pre-season tour. “Obviously, first, the fitness, so that we are ready for when the games are coming, and obviously just building the group and working on the details.
“The pre-season is super, super-important for us.”
The 30-year-old was unfortunate to miss most of United’s 2023/24 campaign due to recurring injuries, but did made a return in the closing moments of the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City in May.
Lindelof’s return to the squad may come at a good time for United, with an update yet to be provided on the condition of Yoro, who was taken off against Arsenal after just 35 minutes of play. There are high hopes for the talented teenager after his breakthrough season at Lille, with his move to Old Trafford regarded by some as a coup given Real Madrid were showing strong interest.
Rhys Bennett, who spent last season on loan with League Two side Stockport County, was Yoro’s replacement as Harry Maguire is also working his way back to fitness after injury ruled him out of England’s run to the final of Euro 2024.
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