Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has claimed that Antonio Valencia is "likely" to return to the squad for Thursday's Europa League clash against Liverpool at Anfield.

The Ecuadorian has been out of action for the last five months as he required an operation on a foot injury, but has stepped up his recovery.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is also edging closer to a comeback after training with his teammates ahead of the first leg of the last-16 tie.

"Antonio Valencia and Bastian Schweinsteiger are coming back," Valencia told reporters. "I think a lot of players shall come back in the month of March, but when they come back, it is not so easy to decide if they can cope with the rhythm of a match because they are fit to train with us.

"For example, Schweinsteiger has only had one training session with us behind his back. Valencia has a week [behind him] so he is much closer to being on the bench, for example, but not to play a match as that's different. I don't think [any new players will be available] but Valencia is fit enough to be on the bench, but to play 90 minutes, I don't think so.

"I shall always make my line-up in my eyes as the strongest lineup to play against the opponent. Nevertheless, I put youngsters sometimes in the lineup but then I think it's the best solution. I also have to cope with the busy schedule so sometimes I spare and rotate players because of that."

United and Liverpool have never met before in a European competition.