Manchester United confirm major double injury boost ahead of Arsenal fixture

Manchester United have confirmed that defender Lisandro Martinez and attacker Marcus Rashford have returned to first-team training ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Arsenal at Old Trafford.

Martinez, who joined United from Ajax almost two years ago, has been missing since the 1-1 draw with Brentford on March 30. He made his return from a knee injury against the Bees and then suffered a calf problem.

The Argentine has been restricted to just 11 appearances in all competitions this season because of a collection of serious injury problems. He was sidelined between September and January because of a recurrence of a foot problem he suffered against Sevilla in April last year.

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He returned against Tottenham Hotspur on January 14, but was soon sidelined again after suffering a knee injury in the 3-0 win over West Ham United at Old Trafford on February 4. In total, he has made just nine appearances in the Premier League this season.

His presence in the heart of the United defence has been sorely missed. He was exceptional last season and United have been starved of his ball-playing capabilities.

Rashford, meanwhile, has also returned to training at Carrington after missing each of the last three matches. He limped out of the FA Cup semi-final victory over Coventry City at Wembley last month and missed the subsequent matches against Sheffield United, Burnley and Crystal Palace.

Along with Martinez, Rashford, trained with the main group at Carrington on Thursday ahead of the impending visit of Arsenal. United have also said that youngsters Harry Amass, Louis Jackson, Habeeb Ogunneye, Toby Collyer and Ethan Wheatley were involved within the session.

Manager Erik ten Hag will address the media at his pre-match press conference on Friday lunchtime, meaning he will issue an update on the prospect of either Martinez or Rashford, or both, being involved against the Gunners. United will be itching to get back to winning ways after failing to win their last two matches.