• Premier League

Young back as United injury crisis finally eases

Ashley Young is back in training and an end to Manchester United's injury crisis is coming into view with seven players set to return to contention.

Marouane Fellaini made his first competitive appearance of the season as a substitute against his former club Everton on Sunday, while manager Louis van Gaal is optimistic that four more players will be available when United face West Bromwich Albion after the international break.

Young, who began the season playing as a wing-back, has not featured since August because of a groin injury.

Michael Carrick has not featured yet this season after undergoing ankle surgery in July but trained with United's reserves last week.

And defender Phil Jones is on the comeback trail after missing their last four games with a hamstring injury, along with fellow centre-back Chris Smalling, who sat out the victories against West Ham and Everton.

"Ashley Young, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have started to do some light training," Van Gaal wrote in United Review.

Three other members of United's injured contingent are on the road to recovery as well, with Van Gaal adding: "Anderson is making progress, while I am pleased to report that Jesse Lingard has had his protective knee brace removed and Jonny Evans' protective boot has been removed. Both players will return to light training in the coming days."

Summer signing Ander Herrera, who has a fractured rib, is also on the sidelines at the moment but left-back Luke Shaw, who had to be replaced against Everton, shrugged off fears he will be absent and said his dead leg will not prevent him from joining up with England's Under 21s.

Van Gaal had described United's injury problems as the worst he had encountered in his 23-year managerial career and he has been without up to 10 players for much of the season.

Ashley Young hasn't played for Manchester United since August © Getty Images

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