[Photos] Man Utd Boost As Key Man Returns To Squad For Liverpool Showdown

Manchester United have been handed a major injury boost with Bastian Schweinsteiger back in the squad to face Liverpool this evening, according to the Manchester Evening News.

United head to Anfield later tonight for the first leg of their crucial Europa League last-16 clash and it looks like Schweinsteiger has a chance to make his long-awaited comeback.

The German international has been on the sidelines in recent weeks since suffering a knee injury during United’s FA Cup victory over Sheffield United back in mid-January.

Schweinsteiger returned to full training this week and Louis van Gaal suggested at his pre-match press conference yesterday that tonight’s Liverpool game may come too soon for the midfielder.

However, it looks like the Dutchman has decided to take a risk on him as the Manchester Evening News claim that Schweinsteiger was among the 18-man travelling party that arrived at a Liverpool city centre hotel this afternoon.

It’s highly unlikely that the 31-year-old will start at Anfield so he’s set for a place on the bench but it will still be a big boost for van Gaal to be able to call on a player of his experience if needed.

Youngster Joe Riley is also included in the squad after also being snapped on his way in to the hotel but Wayne Rooney, Luke Shaw, Ashley Young, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Phil Jones are all out through injury, while Jesse Lingard is suspended.

Based on the players photographed at the hotel earlier today, the MEN has confirmed that the following 15 players will be in the squad, with Morgan Schneiderlin, Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia likely to be the other three to make up the 18-man party.

Confirmed United squad members: De Gea, Romero, Blind, Varela, Smalling, Rojo, Riley, Mata, Herrera, Fellaini, Schweinsteiger, Carrick, Martial, Rashford, Memphis

Check out some photos taken at the hotel courtesy of the Manchester Evening News: