Christian Eriksen back in training with Manchester United ahead of schedule

Christian Eriksen looks set to make an early comeback from an ankle injury after Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag revealed the midfielder is back in team training from today.

The 31-year-old has established himself as a key player since moving to Old Trafford in the summer on a free transfer following a successful short-term stint at Wednesday's opponents Brentford.

Eriksen made 31 appearances and was a near ever-present before being sidelined by a poor challenge by Andy Carroll in January’s FA Cup fourth-round tie against Reading.

United expected to be without the Denmark international until late April or early May, leading them to make a deadline-day loan move for Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer.

But Eriksen has made impressive progress and is shaping up to return to action ahead of schedule.

"Not (available) for (Wednesday) but he’s returning on the pitch," United boss Ten Hag said.

"He’s returning into team training (on Tuesday), so we have to see how quick he can now make the progress."

Eriksen’s absence has been keenly felt, as has that of fellow summer signing Casemiro, who serves the third match of a four-game ban when Brentford visit on Wednesday.

"Two quality players," Ten Hag said. "You know, the midfield department, games will be decided always in the midfield.

"So, when you miss two quality players, it’s clear but you have a squad and when you don’t have them you still have to win."

United’s midfield was found wanting on Sunday at St James’ Park, where Newcastle capitalised on a meek team display to secure a deserved 2-0 victory.

Luke Shaw labelled the performance "unacceptable" and Ten Hag agreed with the left-back that the Magpies were "more determined, more passionate" and had "more desire".

"We had a