‘Definitely’ - Erik ten Hag gives fitness update on Christian Eriksen and Anthony Martial

Erik ten Hag has given positive updates on the fitness of Manchester United pair Christian Eriksen and Anthony Martial.

Neither have started a game since January due to injuries, with the latter struggling with a hip issue, while Eriksen sustained a nasty ankle problem following a reckless challenge from Andy Carroll in an FA Cup fourth-round win.

Eriksen revealed after United’s Carabao Cup final victory over Newcastle United that his rehabilitation is going well, but Ten Hag has not yet spoken on the matter. However, the Red Devils boss was asked ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Southampton whether he expects to see Eriksen on the pitch again this season.

“I think he will play, yeah, definitely,” replied Ten Hag. “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.

“His main focus in this moment is to get back as soon as possible because we need all the players,” the Dutchman added.

As for Martial, he’s suffered from repeated injuries this campaign and has played 14 matches in 2022/23, fewer than Wout Weghorst who signed in January. United’s no.9 has played just two games in the last two months, with the attacker suffering a recurrence of a hip issue when he returned in the 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest.

United have been carefully managing his recuperation this time around, with Martial back in contact training once again. But Ten Hag said he will not rush the player into the team following his recent problems.

“I think all the time we had a good plan and it worked until now not always good,” he explained. “But he is on his way back, he’s back in training but we will be cautious, yeah.”