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Rafael -- honorary mascot, occasional rightback and king of all our hearts -- was last seen jogging towards the dressing room at half-time against Yeovil, visibly discomfited after receiving a whack to the face. He didn't emerge, and it turned out that he had fractured his cheekbone. And there was much sorrow.
But now: rejoice! Rejoice! Let joy be unconfined! For the wounded one has returned. He has had successful surgery and will return to training on Friday.
Operation was perfect back training normal on Friday very happy. thanks god for everything http://t.co/aclpJrilyW
— Rafael da Silva (@orafa2) January 6, 2015
Nice one God. And the doctors. Though there are suggestions that some kind of facemask might be required if he's to play immediately. We'll sure he'll look adorable.
In other good injury news, Luke Shaw is also expected to be available, after his precautionary withdrawal actually worked, and Daley Blind might be in line for a place on the bench. Why, it's almost like Manchester United are on the verge of having a squad again ...