Manchester United welcome long-term injury absentees back to training

Manchester United's injury list this season has been well-documented, but it's likely to get a bit shorter very soon.

That's because Antonio Valencia and Marcos Rojo, both of whom have been out of action since before the turn of the year, have returned to training. The pair might not be ready for a first-team return in time for the Europa League return leg against FC Midtjylland, but it is a rare piece of good news for under-fire United boss Louis van Gaal. Valencia has been out of action since October's Manchester Derby, with surgery on a foot problem keeping him on the sidelines. Rojo, meanwhile, last played for the Red Devils in their Champions League draw with PSV Eindhoven. United have kept seven clean sheets in the 11 games in which the Argentine has featured this season, so Van Gaal will be delighted to learn he's not far away from bolstering the club's back-line.