Right back Antonio Valencia is expected to return for Manchester United Thursday night in the Manchester Derby. He missed Sunday’s win at Burnley, after having played 120 minutes in the Europa League win over Anderlecht. Valencia gave an injury update on his official Instagram account, posting a video of himself weightlifting (with Black Eyed Peas playing the background) and writing:
“Congratulations to all my teammates, we are still working. Life is full of surprises if you do not risk doing things you will not know what kind of surprise awaits you.”
“Be strong so that no one makes you cry, noble so they do not make you suffer and so humble that everyone wants to be with you.”
The Ecuadorian has been one of United’s most pleasant surprises and best performers this season. His return should provide a nice boost to a team that’s battling numerous substantial injuries.
Ander Herrera faces a late fitness test but he’s expected to overcome his ankle ailment. Paul Pogba is a doubt, but he’s also expected to be fit in time for the clash at The Etihad.
Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are still battling long term injuries while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo are out for the season. Juan Mata is definitely out, but he gave an update a couple days ago indicating that he’s making progress now.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network. and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times and NBC Chicago.com, contributes to Chicago Tribune.com, Bold, WGN CLTV and KOZN.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube