Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has reportedly told Anthony Martial that he must improve his fitness before rejoining the first-team training group at the club.
There has been some confusion surrounding the 28-year-old's absence, as he has not been in a matchday squad for the Red Devils since the clash with Bournemouth on December 9.
Martial has missed his side's last seven games in all competitions, including five Premier League fixtures, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding his future.
Ahead of the clash with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Ten Hag hinted at a fitness problem for Martial despite previously stating that the ex-Monaco youngster was out through illness.
"We have to make him fit and it is his job as well to get ready for the next game. But in this moment he is having medical treatment and he has to recover," Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference last week.
© Reuters
According to the Daily Mail, Martial has not trained with his teammates since picking up a sickness bug after the Premier League clash with Bournemouth on December 9.
The report claims that the Frenchman currently does not have an injury, but he has not regained his fitness following his illness, and Ten Hag has ordered that he trains on his own as part of his recovery.
There is not believed to be any disciplinary issue, but Ten Hag does not believe that the attacker is currently at the required level in terms of fitness to work with the main group during their training sessions.
Man United are said to be open to offers for Martial this month, as the forward's contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and he is not expected to be offered a fresh deal.
© Reuters
However, a recent report claimed that the Frenchman has no desire to leave Old Trafford in January and wants to battle for his position in the second half of the campaign.
Martial has been a regular for the Red Devils this season, making 19 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing two assists in the process.
The forward has only started seven matches during the 2023-24 campaign, though, with Rasmus Hojlund becoming the number one striker following his arrival from Atalanta BC over the summer.
Martial has scored 90 goals and registered 55 assists in 317 appearances for Man United since making the switch to the club from Monaco in 2015.
There is believed to be huge Saudi Arabian interest in him, but it is understood that the forward wants to continue his career in Europe, with West Ham United, Fenerbahce and Inter Milan all keen.
Matt Law
