Radamel Falcao Returns to Manchester United Training Ahead of Hull City Clash

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has taken a step nearer a first team return after resuming training on Sunday ahead of the Premier League visit of Hull City.

Falcao has missed United's last four games including the 2-1 win at Arsenal due to a calf problem and was expected to miss the clash with Hull after Colombia national team doctor Carlos Ulloa said the player faced another week on the sidelines.

The 28 year old has been forced to calm fears over receiving ice treatment to the same injured knee which forced him out of eight months of the year but the United loanee have made a significant step towards a return after taking a part in a full training session over the weekend.

"Back to training 100 per cent and ready to help the team in the next games," Falcao wrote on Twitter.

The former FC Porto and Atletico Madrid forward has missed the games against Chelsea, Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Arsenal over the last four weeks but could yet earn a recall for the home game against Hull on Saturday.

The on-loan Monaco striker has scored just once in five United appearances this season and although varying reports have emerged regarding his future at Old Trafford, manager Louis van Gaal is yet to take an official decision over whether to sanction a long-term deal for Falcao.

Van Gaal has been forced to contend with a constant stream of injury problems, with Luke Shaw's ankle problem which he suffered against Arsenal the 40<sup>th different injury to occur since the former Netherlands coach took over in the summer.

Such are United's resources with eight first-team players currently out injured that Van Gaal was forced to replace Shaw with Ashley Young, who the 63-year-old admits wasn't fully fit enough to play.

"I have to give Young a game, but Young is not fit enough to play 90 minutes," he said. "It is unbelievable the [number of] injuries we have had."