Rashford potential return date with Man Utd star's comeback "ahead of schedule"

Marcus Rashford could make his comeback from injury in Manchester United'sPremier League clash against Leicester City after the international break.

And the England forward could be revitalised after his recent rest following shoulder surgery also allowed his ankle ligament tear to fully heal.

United have been without Rashford since he underwent an operation on an ongoing shoulder injury following the Euro 2020 finals.

Club doctors anticipated he would be sidelined for 12 weeks, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he hoped to have the 23-year-old available again next month.

And Rashford is now nearing a return to action as he prepares to play a behind-closed-doors friendly during the upcoming international break, according to The Athletic.

Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford hopes to return to contact training this week ( Image:

PA)

The BBC reported that he is now "ahead of schedule" in his recovery, while according to The Telegraph he could make the squad for the trip to face Leicester on October 16.

The latter also said the ligament tear in Rashford's ankle has now fully healed, which United fans will hope can lead to him recapturing his best form.

Rashford scored 21 goals in all competitions last season despite struggling with his shoulder.

His impending return will be a welcome boost for United, who have lost three of their last four games in all competitions.

How will Man Utd line up once Marcus Rashford is available again? Have your say in the comments section

Rashford will not be fit for United's home games against Villarreal on Wednesday or Everton this Saturday.

The forward will also not be considered for England's World Cup qualifiers away to Andorra on October 9 and at home to Hungary three days later.

But he is targeting a return to contact training this week after posting an update on his injury situation on Twitter.

The boyhood United fan tweeted: "Happy Monday. I see the doctor on Friday for a consultation. All being well, I will get the green [light] to join in with contact training again."

Last week, Red Devils boss Solskjaer hailed Rashford's attitude throughout his spell on the sidelines, saying he had "worked really hard".

But the Norwegian was dealt a blow during the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday as defenders Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire suffered injuries.

After the Villa game, Solskjaer predicted the pair would miss the Villarreal game, saying: "Sorry, I can't give you any updates. We will have to use today and tomorrow and Monday or when we get the scans done and see how we are.

"At the moment they don't look ok for Wednesday but let's see."