Manchester United have been handed a huge boost with the news that Antonio Valencia has returned to training.
The Ecuador international has been out of action for over three weeks with a hamstring injury, an injury which has kept the full back out of action for six matches.
Ashley Young initially stepped in for the 32-year-old at right back, before a suspension to the England man forced Victor Lindelof to fill in.
With the hectic festive fixture list now behind us, and Manchester United being afforded a gap of 10 days between their FA Cup third round tie and their next Premier League game, Jose Mourinho and his stars have jetted off to Dubai for some warm weather training.
They have been joined by the returning Antonio Valencia who is expected to be fit for Monday’s fixture against Stoke City.
Valencia has been given the captain’s armband in the absence of club Captain Michael Carrick, who has made just one appearance this season
Carrick has also made a return to training in recent weeks, although when he will return to action is so far unknown.