Man Utd handed major injury boost as Ten Hag gives encouraging update on key player

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has given an encouraging injury update on midfielder Christian Eriksen ahead of his side's FA Cup quarter-final tie against Fulham.

United entertain the Cottagers at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, looking to reach the semi-finals of a competition they last won in 2015.

They will look to do so without the services of a number of key players, including midfielder Casemiro. He is serving a four-match ban after being shown a straight red card in the 0-0 Premier League draw against Southampton last weekend.

Alejandro Garnacho will also miss out after suffering an ankle injury in the same match, whilst Antony and Anthony Martial are both doubts.

Christian Eriksen, meanwhile, remains a long-term absentee, having been out since January with an ankle injury suffered during the FA Cup fourth round win over Reading.

His unavailability caused United to dip into the loan market on transfer deadline day, bringing in Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich.

At the time, Ten Hag stated that the Denmark international would be out until 'at least late April' - but the Dutchman has now given a more positive verdict on when he could return to action.

Ten Hag on Eriksen injury

Speaking to MUTV ahead of the Fulham clash, Ten Hag revealed: "Yes, some point in April he will be back.

"He is doing really well, really good in his rehab. The progress is very good and we have to see how that develops in the coming weeks."

The news is a major positive for Ten Hag and United, with Eriksen already having missed nearly two months of action.

And the side could have a busy run-in if they progress further in the Europa League and FA Cup, with 12 Premier League games still to play as well.

Eriksen's availability would give the Dutch manager more options to choose from in midfield, with the Dane having established himself as a key player in the side since arriving from Brentford on a free transfer last summer.