Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is understood to have returned to training following a serious foot injury.

The 22-year-old has yet to feature for the Red Devils this season after he broke his metatarsal in June.

However, the England international has now begun some light training ahead of a possible comeback, according to the Daily Mail.

United currently have Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans as their only recognised centre-backs amid a defensive injury crisis.

Phil Jones is sidelined after undergoing knee surgery, while captain Nemanja Vidic was recently ruled out for two months.