No rush for Lejeune to return – Rafa

FLORIAN Lejeune is ready for first team action but won’t be rushed back by Rafa Benitez, who has pencilled in the FA Cup clash against Blackburn Rovers for his long awaited return,

The Paris-born centre-back hasn’t kicked a ball for the first team since last season after damaging his knee ligament during pre-season, but has worked his way back to full fitness much quicker than expected.

Lejeune played a part in the U23s victory over Norwich earlier this month – getting 45 minutes game time under his belt, and since then has been training as normal.

But given that Benitez has several centre-backs to choose from, the manager is refusing to rush Lejeune back.

“He was playing with the U23s, 45 minutes and he did well.

“He is training everyday, so he could be playing tomorrow but the problem we have is that we have too many centre-backs, and we don’t need to risk him.

“Maybe, it is a chance for him in the FA Cup because he is training normally.”

This season saw United’s defence organised, and tight but the 3-0 thrashing from West Ham, and the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool showed the vulnerabilities in a back line in which the collective transfer fee for all those vying for a place comes under £30 million.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles has failed to maintain the form of last season, and was at fault for the opening goal at Liverpool, but Benitez is refusing to single out the defender for criticism, and wants to see an improvement from all.