De Ligt back in United squad mix ahead of Tottenham clash

WHAT HAPPENED
Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford next weekend. The club report that Matthijs de Ligt is back in contention after overcoming a lengthy back problem.

CONTEXT
United have picked up five points from their opening five top-flight matches and will be looking to kick-start their season after the international break. The report describes Tottenham as out of form ahead of the fixture.

DE LIGT'S STATUS
De Ligt has not played a competitive match since November last year and suffered a couple of setbacks during his recovery. He participated in a friendly this week and was reported to have come through the game unscathed. The defender is said to be up to full speed.

SELECTION NOTE
The report adds that de Ligt may not be rushed straight into the starting XI but is likely to make the matchday squad for the match against Tottenham.