Mason Mount is pushing to return to action after an injury layoff, with the Manchester United midfielder working hard in the gym.

What happened?

Mason Mount has been sidelined since the Fulham game, but has now returned to training, with the Englishman undertaking gym work at Carrington.

Why it matters for Mason Mount

The midfielder's absence has been felt, with Manchester United struggling to break down low blocks in recent games, and his energy and creativity on the pitch have been sorely missed.

Mason Mount has three goals and one assist from only 11 starts this season, and his return could be a major boost for the team.

What comes next?

The report indicates that Mason Mount is yet to rejoin full training, and it will be interesting to see if he can make it in time for the blockbuster contest against Aston Villa next weekend.

And Manchester United's medical and conditioning staff are carefully managing the midfielder's workload, with gym-based rehabilitation forming a key part of the process.

But the coaching staff do not want to rush him back, and want to manage his workload in a bid to avoid further breakdowns this season.

So Mason Mount's return to action could be a major factor in Manchester United's bid to qualify for the Champions League, with the team currently facing a number of injury problems.

The defence has been stretched thin, with Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, and Patrick Dorgu all sidelined, while Noussair Mazraoui also hobbled off injured at St. James' Park.

Mason Mount's determination to accelerate his recovery and get back involved with the first-team setup as soon as possible has been highlighted by his continued presence at the training base.

The midfielder has been working alongside Manchester United's fitness coaches during the break, even as the rest of the squad spend time away before returning to training tomorrow.