Diogo Dalot has returned to training ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace.

The right-back had missed United's first three games following the winter break after sustaining a hamstring injury in Portugal's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Morocco.

Dalot subsequently returned to action to feature in victories over Bournemouth and Everton in the league and FA Cup respectively.

However, the defender was forced off with another hamstring issue in United's EFL Cup quarter-final win over Charlton Athletic on January 10.

As a result of the injury, Dalot has missed the club's last six games across all competitions, including crucial league games against rivals Manchester City and league leaders Arsenal.

Dalot's limited availability since the resumption of club football has presented Aaron Wan-Bissaka with valuable playing time.

Prior to the World Cup, Wan-Bissaka had only featured in four minutes of competitive action this season, but he has now started 10 of United's last 12 games in all competitions.

However, Wan-Bissaka's place in the side could come under threat after his teammate Bruno Fernandes confirmed Dalot has returned to training.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's home game against Crystal Palace, Fernandes commented on some of United's injury issues.

"Hopefully, Scott (McTominay) will be with us soon," Fernandes told reporters. "We know Christian (Eriksen) will unfortunately be a bit longer but we are really happy for the team that it gets more and more players fit."

"Diogo is training also with us and will probably be fully fit really soon and that is really good because the manager has more options."

Despite closing in on a return to action, it remains to be seen whether Dalot will be fit enough to start at the weekend.

Erik ten Hag will be unable to call upon Scott McTominay, who is sidelined with a muscular issue, while Christian Eriksen is ruled out until at least April.

The Denmark international picked up an ankle injury following a tackle from Andy Carroll during United's FA Cup victory over Reading last Saturday.

Donny van de Beek is also unavailable after suffering a serious knee injury against Bournemouth earlier this month.

In positive news, Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho both returned to the matchday squad to feature as second-half substitutes against Nottingham Forest in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

Martial opened the scoring before Fred found the net to secure a 2-0 win on the night and a 5-0 aggregate victory that sets up an EFL Cup final against Newcastle United on February 26. body check tags ::