Christian Eriksen returned to training for Manchester United this week, alleviating the club’s injury crisis at defensive midfielder somewhat. Of course, Mason Mount and Casemiro still remain out injured for the long-term.
And although United have suffered a rash of injuries at the holding midfielder position, Donny van de Beek still can’t get in a game!
Manchester United at West Ham United FYIs
Kick: Sat. Dec. 23, 12:30pm, London Stadium
Five Players Likely to Leave MUFC in January: go here
Starting XI Predictions: Man United West Ham
Team News: Man United West Ham
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: West Ham win 38% Draw 26% Man United 36%
Man United Team News
Thus, he’ll soon likely be off out on loan again- this time to Eintracht Frankfurt. Eriksen could feature at West Ham on Saturday, but almost certainly in just a cameo role.
Having been out a few weeks with a knee injury, he’ll need to be eased back into the swing of things. One guy who will go straight back into the first team is the skipper- Bruno Fernandes.
He’s eligible again, having served his one match suspension in the scoreless draw at Liverpool. However, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Amad Diallo all remain out as long-term injury absentees.
Additionally, United could face fitness questions/availability concerns with the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial. We should know more on Friday when manager Erik ten Hag addresses the media.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.