Key Man Utd star ‘to return’ from injury next week vs Everton in huge boost for Erik ten Hag

Christian Eriksen may return from injury as soon as next week and might be included in Manchester United’s squad for the Premier League clash with Everton on 8 April.

The Dane has not played since 28 January after he injured ankle ligaments following a rash challenge from Andy Carroll, a tackle which Erik ten Hag subsequently claimed ‘doesn’t belong on the pitch’. Eriksen has been working on his rehabilitation since, and posted a picture on social media last week of him wearing football boots once again.

Speaking earlier this month, Ten Hag said he expected the midfielder to play again this season: “I think he will play, yeah, definitely,” said the United manager. “But I can’t tell now an expectation [of when he’ll return], but I think his progress in the rehab is ok, is going according to plan. We will definitely see him but not before the international break.”

But the Mirror now report that Eriksen is likely to return to the United squad next week, in what will be a huge boost for the Red Devils’ midfield options. "It’s going well," said the former Tottenham Hotspur man, when asked about his recuperation.

"I’ve just started being outside, with football boots on. Then we take it from there, that’s the next step. I’ve been in the gym for some weeks now and now it’s time to do the next rehab session outside.

"It’s weird not being on international duty, you’re normally away and now it’s more the thing you’re following your national team and you’re here instead of being with them. That’s weird, but it has happened before so you get used to it. But, still, you enjoy it less."

Eriksen’s return could coincide with Casemiro finishing his four-match domestic suspension, while Marcel Sabitzer is also suffering from a knock. With Donny van de Beek ruled out until the end of the season, it potentially leaves Ten Hag with just three midfield options for the next three games: Scott McTominay, Fred and Bruno Fernandes.

Eriksen formed an instant midfield partnership with Casemiro in the first half of the season and, prior to his injury, had missed just one game in all competitions.