Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, is optimistic that Anthony Martial will be ready for the Red Devils before the World Cup starts next month.
Martial, who was a star in the early days of Ten Hag’s reign but has been largely absent thus far, started the season with a hamstring injury before developing back and Achilles problems that have limited him to just four appearances across all competitions.
Fans are eagerly awaiting Martial’s return to the United starting lineup because despite his limited playing time, he has amassed an impressive return of three goals and two assists.
Ten Hag claims that there might not be much more of a wait.
“I hope [he’ll be back before the World Cup,” Ten Hag told a press conference. “But he’s making progress. He is outside and he is working there. So he is on the pitch and we are waiting for his step back in team training.”
Asked about Martial’s latest back problem, Ten Hag added: “It was really frustrating for us but also for him and we have seen that he played good in pre-season.
“He has [not many] minutes, but he scored already three goals. In Everton, he had also an important role with the first goal, his assist for Antony, so it would be really good to have him back because he can make a difference. He can score goals but also linking up he’s really important – and the pressing from him is really good.”