Manchester United have been boosted by the news that key midfielder Christian Eriksen will return from injury next month, according to Erik ten Hag.
The Lowdown: Eriksen missing for months
The Dane joined the Red Devils during last summer's transfer window, making the move from Brentford after an impressive season in west London.
Eriksen proved to be a hit from the off at United, immediately bringing quality to the midfield and proving to be a significant upgrade on the likes of Fred and Scott McTominay, in terms of natural ability and influence.
His quality on the ball caught the eye more than anything, registering seven assists in 18 Premier League starts, before injury cruelly struck early in the year.
Eriksen hasn't featured at all for United since the end of January after picking up an ankle injury against Reading in the FA Cup, in what has been a frustrating couple of months.
Thankfully, it now looks as though the 31-year-old is closing in on a return to the side, following a key update.
The Latest: Return from injury close
Speaking to TV2 Sport [via Sport Witness], Ten Hag confirmed that he expects Eriksen to be back in action in April at some point:
"It is very positive. He healed very quickly. I don’t think he will be ready for Sunday [against Fulham], but he will be ready in April. He is on his way back, and we are happy about that. He is a class player that we need. I can’t wait for him to be back."
The Verdict: Massive boost for United
Having Eriksen back in the fold could be massive for United, in what looks set to be a relentless end to the season in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.
In the former, Ten Hag's side are still far from guaranteed a top-four finish, while there is cup glory on offer in both of the other competitions, with quarter-finals against Fulham and Sevilla to come, respectively.
Eriksen's guile in midfield can open up defences, which is something others simply aren't capable of at United - he still has the most league assists this season, despite his lengthy absence - and he is the perfect foil for Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes.
The 39-goal Denmark legend has been hailed as an 'important' player by Ten Hag and his return could act as a big boost during the most pivotal part of the season.