Alejandro Garnacho steps up recovery from ankle injury

Manchester United attacker Alejandro Garnacho has stepped up his recovery from the ankle injury that has kept him on the sidelines since the middle of March.

The 18-year-old has been a regular for the Red Devils this season, featuring on 29 occasions in all competitions, contributing four goals and five assists in the process.

Garnacho has not played for the 20-time English champions since March 12, though, having picked up an ankle problem during the goalless draw with Southampton.

The issue has seen the Argentina Under-20s international miss Man United's last four Premier League matches, in addition to their last two games in the Europa League and FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham.

However, Garnacho has stepped up his rehabilitation at a vital stage of the campaign.

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On his Instagram stories, the youngster posted the caption "back with the boots" alongside a picture of him in pink boots, fuelling suggestions that his return will not be too far away.

Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag recently refused to put a timeframe on Garnacho's return but insisted that the youngster would be available before the end of the campaign.

"We have something in our heads, and he will definitely be back before the end of the season," Ten Hag told reporters during a press conference.

"I think he will be in the final stages, but I don't want to bring so much pressure on the medical staff and Garnacho to set a date when he will be back."

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Garnacho has played 15 times in the Premier League this season, scoring twice and providing two assists, while he has also scored in both the Europa League and FA Cup this term.

The forward will again be absent for Man United's Europa League quarter-final second leg against Sevilla on Thursday night, and the team's FA Cup semi-final with Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

The Red Devils will next be in Premier League action against Tottenham Hotspur on April 27 before ending the month at home to an in-form Aston Villa.

The 20-time English champions could be missing as many as 11 first-team players against Sevilla, with Ten Hag's side picking up a number of fitness issues at a vital stage of the campaign.

Garnacho is expected to soon sign a new long-term deal at Old Trafford, with his current contract due to expire in the summer of 2024.