Antony returns to training after unknown injury
UNITED attacker Antony has shared a video of him rehabilitating in an ice bath after having to withdraw from Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth due to injury.
The nature of his knock has not been disclosed but it is thought that he was forced to pull out of the final training session before the trip to the Vitality Stadium. It marked the eighth game Antony had been absent for this season.
The Brazilian had been enjoying recent improved form with a goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup before the international break. He then provided a wonderful assist for Alejandro Garnacho in the 4-3 defeat to Chelsea, and proved to be an energetic substitute in the Premier League draw with Liverpool.
Antony is now aiming to recover in time for Sunday’s FA Cup semifinal with Coventry City at Wembley, having missed last year’s final due to injury.
He did play in the semi-final penalty shoot-out win over Brighton, though, and will hope to get minutes in this season’s edition.
The 24-year-old has shown fans that he is on the road back to fitness by posting a video of him undergoing cold therapy in an ice bath, used to enhance muscle recovery. Posting the video on his Instagram story, he captioned it: “New week”.
Antony’s future at Old Trafford is not certain.
Despite his recent miniresurgence, the winger has not scored in the Premier League for exactly a year to date. One of his two FA Cup goals this term came against League Two club Newport County.
He has failed to live up to his £85m price tag more than 18 months after his arrival, with just 15 goal contributions in 77 appearances. His status at United would become increasingly insecure if Erik ten Hag is shown the door by Sir Jim Ratcliffe this summer.