Amad Diallo is nearing a return from injury for Manchester United.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the midfielder is expected to be available again after October’s international break.
Amad spent last season on loan with Sunderland and quickly became a fan favourite as he was named the club’s Young Player of the Year after scoring 14 goals in the Championship.
The 21-year-old returned to Old Trafford at the end of the campaign and was heavily linked with another departure to a number of clubs, while Sunderland were also reportedly interested in bringing him back for a second loan stint.
However, the rumours quickly ended when Amad picked up a knee injury during pre-season that will have kept him out of action for almost three months by the time Manchester United play Sheffield United after the break.
Amad’s return could come at a perfect time for the Red Devils, who have recently been without both Antony and Jadon Sancho due to off-pitch problems.
United have really struggled at the start of the season and have picked up only nine points from six matches.
There were calls for Amad to make his mark on the first team following his loan spell on Wearside and he could well be given a chance if they are still failing to impress next month.
Could Amad still rejoin Sunderland?
Meanwhile, reports previously claimed that Sunderland could look into signing him in January once he is fully fit. Supporters will really hope that this can still happen, though it will entirely depend on his performances in the top flight before then.
The Black Cats were said to be given the chance to sign Amad on loan and wait for him to recover from his injury but opted against it, though that may have been a huge risk given that they aren’t guaranteed to snap him up in the new year.
The Ivorian would still be an exceptional signing if they can make it happen, given that he is pretty much irreplaceable following his unbelievable spell at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland will have to keep their fingers crossed, though in the mean time they can stay positive with the quality form of the likes of Alex Pritchard and Jack Clarke.