Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Provides Injury Updates on Lukaku, Alexis & Martial Ahead of Bournemouth Clash

Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku returned to light training on

Manchester United caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Alexis Sanchez, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku returned to light training on Thursday, with all three potentially in line to return when Bournemouth visit Old Trafford on Sunday to finish 2018.

Sanchez has been out of action for several weeks with a hamstring problem but looks on course to be back on the pitch sooner than expected. Martial, meanwhile, was ruled out of the Boxing Day win over Huddersfield as a result of illness, with Lukaku also absent.

Solskjaer said this morning that Lukaku, Sanchez and Martial are in contention to feature against Bournemouth on Sunday. Smalling still out but could be back for Tottenham on Jan. 13.

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The trio will have a few days to train before the Bournemouth game to improve their fitness.

"Romelu, Anthony and Alexis were [in] light [training] yesterday so hopefully they can join part of the training today and let's see after they've come through," Solskjaer said, via ManUtd.com.

In further comments published by the Daily Mail, the interim boss urged the trio to take their chance in the way that Paul Pogba has done: "Paul has done it. My chats with Anthony, Romelu, Alexis, I'm here to guide them on the path, and it's up to them to do it on the pitch.

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"It's up to them when they get a chance, that's the name of the game as a footballer. You've got to do it yourself. I gave some guidelines of course on expression, freedom of expression, but that's how I've always been as a manager," he added.

"You can't tell the players what to do in this position, just enjoy playing for this club, that's the best time of your life - but it's not a bad time to be manager for a while."

Solskjaer has refused to take credit for Pogba's resurgence, praising the Frenchman's quality.

"I think Paul's a top, top player," he added. 'He's one of the top players in the world. Attacking wise, he's done really well but he's a big lad who can win headers and tackles. He's been the same as the others," he explained.

"The attitude has been perfect and that's key; you should be tired towards the end of every single game. He's been top-class and of course he's someone that we're looking to build a team, but there are so many quality players."

Despite uncertainties over Antonio Valencia's future at the club under former manager Jose Mourinho, Solskjaer has also confirmed that the Ecuadorian veteran, who has not played in the Premier League since September, will remain captain.

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"Antonio is the captain. When you look at him, there are not many more better right-backs going forward with his abilities," Solskjaer said.