Manchester United have been boosted ahead of the final stretch of the 2023/24 season by the return of Mason Mount to training on Tuesday morning.
It was a wet and miserable start to the day in Greater Manchester, but there was light at the end of the tunnel for Mount when he joined the rest of the squad on the training pitch at Carrington.
The £60m summer signing from Chelsea has made only 12 appearances in all competitions since his much talked about arrival, having had to contend with a couple of separate injury absences.
Mount hasn’t played for United since the 1-0 win over Luton Town at Old Trafford on 11 November, having picked up a calf problem ahead of the club’s trip to Everton later that month.
He was initially reported to be sidelined for around four weeks but his return to training comes after four months.
The 25-year-old has missed 21 games in all competitions during this particular absence, but already missed five matches due to a shorter injury layoff that began in August.
Having seen his ability to properly settle and get into his stride at his new club, Mount is yet to score or assist in the Premier League in a United shirt, while his only goal involvement so far was an assist in the Carabao Cup win over Crystal Palace back in September.
It remains to be seen for the time being when exactly Mount might make his return to the pitch for United, with the need to build his match fitness back up after so long out of action.
Erik ten Hag’s team are to face Liverpool in the FA Cup sixth round at Old Trafford on Sunday, with the Premier League trip to Brentford on 30 March after the international break perhaps a more realistic target.