Erik ten Hag expects 'class player that we need' to be back in April
Christian Eriksen is heading towards recovery from an ankle injury he picked up during Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading in January.
According to TV 2 SPORT, the Denmark international is on the verge of returning to fitness, with his rehabilitation progressing beyond expectations.
Eriksen has been on the sidelines for almost two months due to Andy Caroll’s cynical tackle on him during United’s routine cup victory at Old Trafford.
Though initial forecasts suggested the deep-lying playmaker could be missing out on the remainder of the season, he could soon return to the fold, as confirmed by Erik ten Hag.
Asked to deliver an update on Eriksen’s recovery, the Dutchman replied: “It’s very positive. He has healed very quickly.
“I don’t think he’s ready for Sunday [against Fulham in the FA Cup], but he’ll be ready in April. He’s coming back, and we’re happy about that.
“He’s a class player that we need. I can’t wait for him to be back.”
Eriksen has had a prominent role in ten Hag’s midfield set-up this season, sharing the spotlight in the Dutch manager’s preferred double-pivot with Brazilian star Casemiro.
The Red Devils have relied on Fred to fill the void in the playmaker’s absence, as Scott McTominay also sustained several fitness problems at the turn of the year.
But the two have different characteristics, making it almost impossible for the former Shakhtar Donetsk man to replace the Dane properly.
Fred’s inconsistent performances have forced ten Hag to change formation, leaving Casemiro as the only midfield anchor, but with Eriksen soon to come back, Man Utd may redeploy a 4-2-3-1.
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur man won’t be in contention for Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash against Fulham, as the Red Devils bid to reach another domestic cup final after conquering the League Cup.
However, his return to action could be timed to perfection, given United’s upcoming challenges in domestic competitions and abroad.
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