Christian Eriksen sends Man Utd fans positive update ahead of Barcelona clash

Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has sent fans a positive update as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.

Eriksen, 31, sustained the injury in United's FA Cup fourth round win over Reading at Old Trafford last month.

United have confirmed that Eriksen will be sidelined "for an extended period", with the midfielder likely to be out until late April or early May.

It is a major blow for United manager Erik ten Hag, with Eriksen playing a key role for his side since joining the club on a free transfer in the summer.

The Denmark international had made 31 appearances for United in all competitions prior to suffering the injury, which prompted United to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich on deadline day in January.

Eriksen sends fans positive update

United next face La Liga leaders Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa League play-off tie.

Ahead of the match, Eriksen sent a positive update to Red Devils fans as he continues to work his way back to full fitness.

Responding to a birthday message sent to him from the club's official Twitter account on Tuesday, Eriksen replied: "Thank you.

"I'll be back before you know it," followed by the strong-arm emoji.

Speaking before the loan signing of Sabitzer, United boss Ten Hag said it would be difficult to replace Eriksen.

"I think you can never fill that (gap) because every player has his own characteristics and identity," said Ten Hag.

"Another player will always fill in in a different way, but it doesn't mean you have to be less successful.

"It's quite clear Christian Eriksen brings top quality to our squad and he has some specifics that are hard to replace, such as his impacts in the final third with his final ball."