Christian Eriksen is back in full training today for Manchester United and could return at the weekend.
Midfielder Eriksen has been out with ankle ligament damage since suffering the injury in United's 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading at Old Trafford on January 28. The Denmark international was expected to be out of action until late April, but has recovered ahead of schedule and could make the bench for Saturday's game at home to Everton.
Asked about Eriksen, Ten Hag said: "Not for tomorrow, but he's returning on the pitch. He's returning to team training today, so we have to see now how quickly he can make progress."
Eriksen revealed on the club's official podcast last week when asked about his rehab: "It's going well. I've just started being outside, with football boots on. Then we take it from there, that's the next step. I've been in the gym for some weeks now and now it's time to do the next rehab session outside.
"It's weird not being on international duty, you're normally away and now it's more the thing you're following your national team and you're here instead of being with them. That's weird, but it has happened before so you get used to it. But, still, you enjoy it less."
Reflecting on United's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on Sunday, Ten Hag admitted his side missed Eriksen and Casemiro, the latter halfway through a four-game domestic suspension.
"They are two quality players," said Ten Hag. "The midfield department, games will always be decided in midfield, so when you miss two quality players, it's clear. But you have a squad, if you don't have them you still have to win.
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"We had a very bad performance, the opponent wanted it more than us. They were sharper, you could see it in the challenges. We won only 16 of 61 in offence and in defence the opponent beat us 48 from 78 challenges, so then you can't win a game."
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also returned to training after missing the defeat at St James' Park through illness. Speaking about him and fellow right-back Diogo Dalot, Ten Hag admitted: "I think it is really close competition between them. Maybe Aaron gives you a little bit more defending, Diogo gives you a little bit more offence. I have to say, they have both made progress in both areas. It is really close. You look at the load, the opponent, to manage that."
On Graham Potter, who was sacked by Chelsea after six months in charge, Ten Hag said: "You never get the time. You know you have to get results, top football is about results, you have to accept it and, in the meantime, you have to work on the process."
On Luke Shaw, who signed a new contract until 2027, Ten Hag said: "I think it's a good message, he's an England international, is doing really well this season and we're really happy with him. He's a modern left back but can also play left centre-back, he matches the standards we want to have and it sends a very good message [that he has signed a new deal]."
