Christian Eriksen proving his fitness to Erik ten Hag could have an impact on who the Manchester United manager selects against Tottenham on Wednesday night (8.15pm).
After being held to a goalless draw by Newcastle at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, United welcome their high-flying opponents to the same venue knowing that three points would move them closer to the Champions League places. But can Ten Hag and his men sentence the Londoners to a second defeat this season?
Eriksen, 30, signed for United on a free transfer this summer and has promptly become a mainstay in the team. But he might yet have to settle for a place in the stands against his former club.
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He was sorely missed against Newcastle - as Casemiro and Fred started together in their engine room - with Scott McTominay also unavailable due to suspension. McTominay will return to the matchday squad on Wednesday night, although there are still question marks over Eriksen, despite him returning to training.
Ten Hag provided an update on his illness during his pre-match press conference, while Martial will not feature yet again due to his latest injury setback. Martial, 26, has been side-lined with three separate issues already this season, with his most-recent absence owing to a back complaint.
It has restricted the rejuvenated France striker to three Premier League appearances this season. However, even in those games, Martial has managed to make a telling impact with two goals and as many assists.
Aside from monitoring Eriksen, the biggest selection dilemma for Ten Hag comes in attacking quarters with Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony realistically vie for two positions if Cristiano Ronaldo is selected, although he might otherwise opt to deploy Rashford centrally ahead of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Eriksen or McTominay for Fred and Rashford for Sancho would mark two changes from the Newcastle draw.
Manchester United predicted XI vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo.
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