Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo hits the weights

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Marcos Rojo was seen on Ander Herrera's Instagram story lifting in the gym
The defender is still recovering from knee ligament damage he suffered last April
Rojo was welcomed back to training last week but is still someway off starting

Published: 20:13 EDT, 29 August 2017 | Updated: 20:40 EDT, 29 August 2017

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Jose Mourinho will be pleased to see Marcos Rojo pushing for a return to his Manchester United squad by putting in the hours in the gym.

The Argentinian defender was welcomed back to training last week but didn't seem to overexert himself as he looks to recover from the knee ligament damage he sustained against Anderlecht in the Europa League last April.

The 27-year-old was seen slaving away in the gym in efforts to race back to fitness on Ander Herrera's Instagram story.

Marcos Rojo grits his teeth as he prepares to lift his first rep on the bench press in the gym

The defender extends his arms and lifts the weight with ease as Ander Herrera films him

Rojo manages to fire out three sharp reps before his Spanish team mate stops filming

Rojo, looking determined as ever, pushed out three convincing reps on the bench press to show just how seriously he is taking his rehabilitation.

The defender will be eager to re-establish himself back in Mourinho's first team plans having found regular action last season with 21 league appearances.

But it may be some time before he can work his way back into contention.

United have made a promising start to the Premier League campaign without him so far and Eric Bailly has stood out as a key performer from their opening three games.

Bailly's sudden transformation from a jittery liability to a composed solid defender certainly won't help Rojo's case, but he is proving to Mourinho he is willing to push through the pain barrier in order to force his way back to fitness, which can only strengthen his argument.

The United manager has previously claimed Rojo would have 'no chance' of coming back before December, but it appears that deadline might need revising.

With the international break approaching it would be sensible for the Argentinian to try and recover as much ground as possible by paying another visit to the gym.