• Premier League

Rafael back in United training

ESPN staff
September 9, 2014
Rafael da Silva has returned to training after suffering a groin injury © Getty Images
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Rafael da Silva has returned to training as Manchester United's injury problems show signs of improving.

Rafael only managed 45 minutes in United's pre-season tour of the United States because of a groin injury and has failed to feature in any competitive fixture this season. But he wrote on Instagram: "Back in training ready to help."

He is expected to challenge Antonio Valencia for the right wing-back position in manager Louis van Gaal's new 3-5-2 formation.

Van Gaal claimed United were suffering the worst injury crisis he had ever experienced in his 23-year managerial career when 10 players were sidelined for last month's 0-0 draw with Burnley.

However, the previously ineligible Marcos Rojo has since been granted a work permit and United can also select deadline-day recruits Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind.

In addition, Ander Herrera revealed on Twitter that he is closing in on a return, writing: "Training hard and looking forward to this next game at Old Trafford."

United are also waiting to see if Luke Shaw will be fit to face Queens Park Rangers on Sunday after the England international, who is yet to make his competitive debut, suffered a hamstring injury.

However, they received a potential blow when Phil Jones limped off in England's 2-0 win over Switzerland on Monday and will be assessed by United's medical staff on Tuesday.

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