Jadon Sancho is set to return to the Manchester United squad for the first time since the end of the World Cup.
The Red Devils host Nottingham Forest in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash on Wednesday evening. Erik ten Hag's men carry a comfortable 3-0 lead from the first leg into the game at Old Trafford as the United boss seeks to end a six-year trophy drought.
He has been boosted by the news that Sancho is now available for selection once again, having missed every game since October's draw with Chelsea. The winger is not the only face to return, with attacker Anthony Martial also fit again.
Ten Hag admitted he is managing some fitness issues within his squad as he prepares for the visit of Forest. But the Dutchman is ready to welcome Sancho and Martial back to frontline action.
“We have some issues. I think tomorrow that Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho will return in the game squad, but Scott McTominay will still be absent," the United boss told the club's in-house media.
“I think also the next game [against Crystal Palace ] he will be absent. We have to see how that process will go. And for the rest, I think everyone is fit.”
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Sancho scored three goals and notched one assist during the first half of the season. He has since spent time away from the squad and returned to first-team training at the start of the month.
One of the issues Ten Hag is managing is the serious blow Christian Eriksen has suffered. United confirmed the Dane would be ruled out until the end of April with an ankle injury, with Ten Hag forced to contend without one of his star players.
"Of course, he is disappointed about [it], we are disappointed about [it]. It happens in top football, you have to deal with it. As you said, something coming out on deadline day is difficult," he said.
"You can't make policy on such bad injuries but we have players in the midfield department, good players, we also have players who can fill the gap. Every player has their own characteristics and identity, so another player will always fill it in in a different way.
"So, it doesn't mean that you have to be less successful but it's quite clear that Christian Eriksen, for our squad, brings top quality and he has some specifics that are hard to replace. For instance, his impact in the final third, [with his] final ball."
If United are able to hold onto their lead, they will face Southampton or Newcastle in the final at Wembley Stadium.
