Leny Yoro sets Man Utd return date as defender 'desperate' to play huge match

Manchester United defender Leny Yoro is reportedly determined to return to full fitness ahead of his side’s December trip to Arsenal. The 18-year-old, who signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford after signing from Lille in the summer, is yet to make his senior debut for his new club after picking up an injury in pre-season.

Yoro was playing against the Gunners on the club’s US tour in Los Angeles in August when he went down with a foot injury.

After leaving the ground on crutches, the club later confirmed that their new centre-back had been forced to undergo an operation.

“Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has today had a successful surgery on his foot injury,” they said. “Our summer signing from Lille sustained the injury during the team’s recent friendly match against Arsenal in Los Angeles, USA.”

Initially suggesting he would be returning to full training in November, they added: “Yoro’s rehabilitation starts now and we look forward to the 18-year-old returning to fitness in around three months.”

The Frenchman himself has remained silent on his injury since taking to social media on August 6, when he posted: “This is not the start I wanted, but that’s football. The operation went well. Thank you for your many messages of support. Now, time for patience and rehabilitation work.”

And now it appears Yoro is targeting another chance to play against Arsenal. According to Give Me Sport, he is ‘desperate’ to be match fit and available for selection when Erik ten Hag’s side go to the Emirates on Tuesday, December 3.

Should his rehab programme go to plan, then Yoro will have a few weeks to prove his worth in training before that game. The Arsenal date will be the culmination of a frenzied six days for the Red Devils, who are set to host Everton in the Premier League the Sunday beforehand.

That clash will come less than 72 hours after a home fixture with Bodo/Glint in the Europa League. And in reality, Yoro will need to be involved in at least one of those two games if Ten Hag is to consider throwing him into the lion’s den against Arsenal.

Yoro was a much sought after signing this summer, having made his Lille debut at the age of 16. He’d also been linked with Real Madrid and Paris St-Germain, while Liverpool were said to be interested in a move.

It followed a 2023/24 campaign where he played 32 times inthe top-flight of France. He helped the club to a fourth placed finish and was named in the Ligue 1 team of the season.