Manchester United interim head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has said that Christian Eriksen could be back in the Red Devils squad for Sunday's Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Eriksen missed out against Leicester City in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night due to a minor injury, but the Denmark international has a chance of being available for selection against Enzo Maresca's in-form outfit at Old Trafford.
When asked about his squad, Van Nistelrooy said that there would 'not be many changes' from the Leicester clash, with no fresh injuries being reported by the 20-time English champions since the 5-2 success in the EFL Cup.
"Not many changes. We're still hoping and working hard to get Christian Eriksen part of the squad. He's working hard to make it in the last moment. And other than that, there's no news on players that will be available, any other than [Wednesday]," Van Nistelrooy told reporters.
Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw and Leny Yoro will again be unavailable for selection, while Antony is again set to miss out with the ankle problem that he suffered in the recent Europa League clash with Porto.
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Eriksen could return to Man United squad against Chelsea
Eriksen has been in impressive form for the Red Devils during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring four goals and registering three assists in 11 appearances in all competitions, although he is yet to find the back of the net or register an assist in the Premier League.
The Denmark international only has a contract at Old Trafford until the end of the campaign, and it is currently unclear whether Man United are preparing to offer him a new deal.
"It's not really up to me when my contract runs out, it's up to the club. I am enjoying it here. When the summer comes if the offer is there I will definitely take it seriously," Eriksen recently said when asked about his future.
Eriksen made the move to Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, and he has represented the 20-time English champions on 83 occasions, scoring seven goals and registering 16 assists in the process.
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Van Nistelrooy expecting "tough" match vs. Chelsea
Van Nistelrooy also commented on the challenge that Chelsea will present on Sunday, with Maresca's side making a strong start to their 2024-25 campaign, sitting up in sixth in the Premier League table.
"Yeah, it's going to be a big match, a tough one. Chelsea playing really well at the moment. Lots of attacking power players who can decide the game, scoring lots of goals, playing very well on the ball," he told MUTV.
"So, we're going to have to be at our very best, you know, to get a result, to get a good game. It's obviously what we want. We want to try and win it. But we also respect the opponent, know their qualities, and [what] we have to do. Yeah, we have to really be together and strong, you know, to stop them. And from there, see what we can do, you know, to win the game."
Van Nistelrooy will lead Man United for their next three matches against Chelsea, PAOK and Leicester before Ruben Amorim arrives from Sporting Lisbon to take charge of the club.
Matt Law
