Manchester United defender Daley Blind steps up return to fitness with Netherlands ahead of Arsenal clash

Manchester United defender Daley Blind stepped up his return to full fitness after completing 90 minutes for Netherlands in an international friendly against Belgium.

Blind, 26, was dropped to the bench for United's comfortable 3-1 victory over Swansea City on Sunday 6 November, with Jose Mourinho confirming the versatile Dutchman was not fit to start the game at the Liberty Stadium.

But against Roberto Martinez's Belgium, the United defender was selected at left-back, coming through unscathed in the 1-1 draw. His United teammate Memphis Depay, who has been limited to just 126 minutes in all competitions this season, also made an appearance off the bench, replacing Jeremain Lens after 67 minutes.

Prior to the win at Swansea, Blind had started United's last two games against Burnley and Fenerbahce at centre-half following injury to Eric Bailly. He had previously moved over to left-back ahead of Luke Shaw in games against Leicester City, Stoke City and Liverpool, turning in impressive performances before United were run ragged by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge where they lost 4-0.

Following the international break, United renew their campaign at home to Arsenal on Saturday 19 November. Mourinho faces a selection dilemma at the back with first choice right-back Antonio Valencia sidelined with a fractured arm and questions over Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw's roles in the team.

Smalling and Shaw both missed the victory over Swansea due to injury with Mourinho questioning the pair, commenting: "For the team, you have to do anything."

Elsewhere, United will be without leading goal scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the visit of Arsene Wenger's side. The former Sweden international picked up his fifth booking of the season against Swansea, earning himself an automatic one match suspension.