Man United's Victor Lindelof provides positive fitness update following injury troubles

The Sweden international was forced to miss Man United's first eight competitive matches of the season due to an injury issue.

Lindelof returned to the matchday squad to be an unused substitute in games against Tottenham Hotspur and Porto in the Premier League and Europa League respectively.

The versatile defender finally returned to competitive action in last Sunday's Premier League away game against Aston Villa.

Lindelof played the second half of the goalless draw after he was introduced for the injured Noussair Mazraoui at the break.

Lindelof provides positive fitness update

The 30-year-old continued to build up his match sharpness with a substitute appearance in Sweden's UEFA Nations League clash against Slovakia.

The Man United man came off the bench in the 28th minute to gain more valuable minutes in Friday's 2-2 draw in Bratislava.

Speaking after the game, Lindelof revealed that he had missed the start of the season with a nerve issue, but that he is now ready to play his part for club and country.

"It's very nice to be back," Lindelof told reporters. "My body is fine. I have been working hard during rehab. The body feels good and I am ready to help.

"It has been very frustrating. I've probably never been as injured as I was last season. It's tough having injuries but, right now, I feel good and I'm not playing with any pain.

"It wasn't a broken toe, more a nerve problem. I did a procedure. I had been playing with syringes for a while and something just needed to be done."

What will Lindelof's role be for Man United?

Lindelof is not regarded as a guaranteed starter at Old Trafford, but he could still have a role to play in the coming weeks.

Man United have recently seen Harry Maguire and Mazraoui added to the absentee list, with the latter set to be out for the "next few weeks" after undergoing a minor heart operation.

The Red Devils are also having to cope without the services of summer signing Leny Yoro, while left-backs Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia are continuing to recover from their respective injury issues.

As a result of those injury troubles, Lindelof could be thrust into first-team action in the near future, especially as he is capable of playing across the backline.

Erik ten Hag's side will return to action next weekend when they welcome Brentford to Old Trafford for a Premier League contest.