West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United: Chris Smalling set for first-team return ahead of Hawthorns visit

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling has recovered from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the team for the last three matches to hand the Red Devils a major boost ahead of their clash against West Bromwich Albion on 6 March. The former Fulham defender suffered the injury during the Old Trafford club's fifth round FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town and has subsequently missed their wins over FC Midtjylland, Arsenal and Watford in the Europa League and Premier League respectively.

According to the Daily Mail, Smalling is ready to return to the first-team for the visit to Hawthorns and provide some respite to manager Louis van Gaal, who has had to shift and switch players to field a capable back four in recent games. Despite United's victories, the manager will be keen to have a settled back four going in to the upcoming matches, which sees them face Liverpool in the Europa League last 16 and West Ham United in the FA Cup quarter finals.

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick and most recently Timothy Fosu-Mensah have ably deputised for the England international in recent games alongside Daley Blind, who the manager admits needs rest owing to his consecutive appearances in the side since October. Marcos Rojo has also regained fitness following a long spell on the side lines and Van Gaal could opt to start him alongside Smalling for the clash against Tony Pulis' side.

The report, meanwhile, also claimed that Marcus Rashford is in line for his fourth start in 11 days after the manager was convinced regarding his energy levels during training ahead of the game. The 18-year-old striker has made a blistering start to life in the first-team and has notched up four goals in three appearances, including two goals during his Premier League debut against Arsenal.