Erik ten Hag has revealed that Christian Eriksen will return for Manchester United after the international break.
Eriksen suffered a long-term ankle injury against Reading following a nasty tackle from Andy Carroll during their FA Cup tie.
The Red Devils came away 3-1 winners but the victory was overshadowed by the sight of Eriksen leaving Old Trafford on crutches.
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As a result, Ten Hag was forced into the transfer market to help provide cover for the Denmark international, eventually signing Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on a season-long loan.
United have managed relatively well in his absence, as they went on to lift the Carabao Cup trophy, beating Newcastle 2-0 in the final. Whilst they also saw off Spanish giants Barcelona in the Europa League to book their place in the finals.
However, a humiliating 7-0 defeat to Premier League rivals Liverpool last weekend has somewhat hampered celebrations, with Ten Hag's men needing to bounce back against Southampton on Sunday.
Ten Hag on Eriksen's recovery
In a major boost for supporters, Ten hag has lifted the lid on Eriksen's recovery, believing he will "definitely" play before the season is up.
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Speaking during Friday's press conference, the Dutchman said: "I think he [Eriksen] will play [again in 2022/23],.
"Definitely. But I can't tell now an expectation, but I think his progress in the rehab is okay. It is going according to plan, so definitely we will see him. But not before the international break.
"Yes, he is [still part of the group]. But of course, his main focus is, in this moment, to get back as soon as possible because we need all the players."
The United boss also provided an update on Anthony Martial, who has been sidelined with a hip problem since February 1.
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When asked if the Frenchman could feature against Southampton, Ten Hag replied: "Yeah, but I think, all the time, we had a good plan and until now it [didn’t] always [work well].
"But he is on his way back, he is back in training, but we will be cautious, yeah."
Topics: Christian Eriksen, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Football, Premier League
Joe Adams