On Wednesday, both players participated in an open training session held at Carrington, and later that same day, they were included among the 26-man squad that traveled to Vitoria Airport. This indicates that they are steadily reintegrating into team activities following their respective injuries.
Manager Amorim has opted to bring a larger squad than what is typically seen for such trips. This decision is largely influenced by the team’s plans to remain in Bilbao through Friday for continued training sessions. Despite their inclusion in the traveling group, Amorim remains cautious with both returning players and is not expected to rush their reintegration into competitive action. The coaching staff is closely monitoring their progress to ensure they are not exposed to unnecessary risk or a potential recurrence of their injuries.
Amad has been absent from the team for nearly three months. His injury occurred following Manchester United’s win over Leicester City in the Emirates FA Cup, where he suffered an ankle injury that has kept him on the sidelines since. His return to training suggests that he is nearing full fitness, although the coaching staff is expected to ease him back into action gradually. Given the nature of his injury and the length of his absence, the team is likely to avoid placing immediate pressure on him to perform at full intensity.
Similarly, De Ligt has been working on his recovery for the past month after sustaining an injury during the 1-0 Premier League defeat to Nottingham Forest. His absence has been felt in the defense, and his return to training offers a timely boost for the squad as they enter an important phase of the season. Just like with Amad, Amorim is taking a careful approach with De Ligt, ensuring that he is completely ready before being reintroduced into matchday competition.
The decision to include both players in the traveling squad, despite their recent injuries, signals a positive development in their rehabilitation process. However, it also underlines the club’s commitment to managing player fitness responsibly. By maintaining a larger-than-usual squad in Bilbao, Amorim ensures depth and flexibility in team selection while allowing players like Amad and De Ligt to continue training in a controlled environment. This approach highlights the importance of squad rotation and player welfare as the team prepares for upcoming fixtures. Overall, their presence is encouraging, but it is clear that their return to full match involvement will be handled with care and patience.
