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Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has hinted at the possibility of Diogo Dalot returning to action before the end of the season.
On Friday, Amorim revealed that Dalot had suffered a calf injury that will keep him sidelined for the next few games and possibly the rest of the campaign.
Dalot has been a vital asset for United this season, featuring in 32 Premier League matches and a total of 51 games across all competitions. His versatility as a wing-back on either flank, combined with his consistent availability, has made him almost indispensable to the team.
In the matches leading up to his injury, Dalot displayed clear progress, demonstrating a growing grasp of the wing-back position within Amorim’s system.
Ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Bournemouth, Amorim sat down with club media and addressed Dalot’s fitness. The 40-year-old coach revealed that he can’t completely state that the defender will be back before the season concludes, citing his work ethic and dedication to his physical conditioning.
Amorim said, “We had a issue with Dalot, but the rest are recovered and we need to face this game at the top level because they are a very good team. They [Bournemouth] are fighting for European football and we need to improve in the Premier League.”
“I think we deserved more in the last game. We need to improve the way we score goals. I think we are defending better, so we have a lot to play [for] in this moment.”
“You know Diogo, he did all the games and then he had that issue. You can’t say that Diogo is out until the end of the season because Diogo will work hard, to help us in the last games.”
On the benefit of having a full week of training between games, Amorim remarked, “Yeah, it was important. Not just that, but to improve as a team – more time to work on the pitch, more time to see videos and analyse not just the last game but the other ones that we didn’t have the time [to look at properly].”
“To prepare this game, to prepare the next one: that is massive for us, so we are focused on the game on Sunday.”
Amorim admitted that he will have one eye on the upcoming Europa League semi-final contest with Athletic Club.
“A little bit, to be honest, but I think that this game we need to be focused on just this game. We had this week to clean. I think the next one in the Premier League [Brentford] it is important for us to be careful. I think during the game we are going to see if there is any player that is tired or with something and try to manage that.”
He added about Bournemouth, “The same as any other team in the Premier League. We are understanding better the way that football is played in this country. They have really good players in the offence, they play quite well and they are a team with a lot of pressure in the build-up of the opponent, so we expect that, especially in their home. But we are ready for that.”
While United’s primary focus is on winning the Europa League, Amorim insisted that the remaining Premier League games are just as important to build confidence.
Bournemouth vs. United kicks off at 14:00 BST.
Featured image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images
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