Marcus Rashford is to step up his rehabilitation from a back injury after the latest scans showed positive signs for the Machester United striker.
Rashford hasn't played since suffering a serious back injury against Wolves in the FA Cup on January 15 and he had been considered touch-and-go to play again this season, before the campaign was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But United have confirmed that the 22-year-old, who was enjoying his best season yet in front of goal, will now step up his recovery from injury, with medical staff keeping a watchful eye on his progress from distance.
The club's Carrington training centre remains closed at the moment, with the country still in lockdown as it battles COVID-19, but Rashford will continue his fitness work from home.
A United statement said: "The club can confirm that Marcus Rashford has been cleared to step up his rehabilitation programme following encouraging signs on his latest scans.
"His progress will continue to be monitored by the club’s medical team throughout the current lockdown period. "
Rashford had been working with the club's medical staff at Carrington before players were sent home when the Premier League season was suspended.
That suspension has since been extended until April 30 but it remains clear if and when the season will be completed.
But Rashford feels the progress he is making at the moment is significant and he's looking to being back on the pitch.
“I feel much better,” Rashford said. “Definitely, comparing it to two or three weeks ago, I feel 10 times better.
“For me now, it is just about getting ready to build it back up to training and playing the games with the team. I am in a much better place. I am much happier now than I was about a month ago, so things are looking positive.”
