Manchester United could have Rasmus Hojlund back for Saturday's Premier League clash against Everton.
The Denmark international has missed his side's last three matches with a muscular problem, and his absence has been felt in the Premier League, with the Red Devils losing 2-1 to Fulham and 3-1 to Manchester City in their last two games in England's top flight.
Man United's statement on February 23 said that Hojlund would be "out for two to three weeks", and head coach Erik ten Hag later added that the 21-year-old had only suffered "a small injury".
Providing that Hojlund's absence is for two weeks rather than three, then the centre-forward could make his return in Saturday's Premier League game with Everton at Old Trafford.
However, if a three-week recovery is required, the Dane could return in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup against Liverpool on March 17.
Hojlund had been in excellent form before picking up his injury, scoring seven times and registering two assists in his last six Premier League appearances.
The forward's last appearance for the Red Devils came against Luton Town on February 18, when he scored a brace in a 2-1 victory for Ten Hag's side at Kenilworth Road.
Marcus Rashford has played through the middle in Hojlund's absence, and although he scored against Man City in the Manchester derby on Sunday, the Englishman has found it difficult in that area of the field.
Hojlund had to wait until Boxing Day to score his first goal in the Premier League, but he is now on 13 goals and two assists in 30 appearances for Man United since his arrival.
"We recruited him on his character," Ten Hag told reporters after Hojlund's last appearance against Luton. "I knew it was strong.
"He can really perform under stress and that is something you need as a Manchester United striker. He doesn't get nervous or lose confidence. He has a lot of confidence and I'm sure he will score even more.
"He needed support but he kept calm. He was unlucky at the start. You see he's a fighter, he keeps going."
Man United are still chasing silverware in the FA Cup this season, but they face a huge task to secure Champions League football for next term, sitting sixth in the Premier League table, six points behind fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur and 11 points from fourth-placed Aston Villa. body check tags ::
