Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Anthony Martial will be back on the field before the March internationals towards the end of the month.
The 27-year-old has struggled with fitness problems throughout the campaign, which have restricted him to just 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals and contributing two assists in the process.
Martial has only played nine times in the Premier League this season, with his last outing in England's top flight coming against Manchester City in the middle of January.
The France international did feature off the bench against Nottingham Forest at the start of February, but a hip problem has kept him on the sidelines since, and he will again be absent for Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round contest with West Ham United at Old Trafford.
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Martial has been out with hamstring, Achilles, back, muscular and hip problems this term, and Ten Hag was asked about the striker ahead of the clash with West Ham.
The Man United head coach said that he was hopeful of having the forward back before the March internationals, but the Dutchman is not putting an exact timeframe on his recovery.
The Red Devils have five games over the next 16 days, facing West Ham, Liverpool, Real Betis (H), Southampton and Real Betis (A) in three separate competitions.
"I hope (he can return before the March internationals) but I won't give a prospective [time], or an expectation about that," Ten Hag told reporters. "Let him do his work, as several times now, he has been back and he drops back too quickly.
"We [have to] give him the time and I hope he is on board but first, in this moment, we are doing really well in this set-up. When he is available, we will have another option, a good option.
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"Let's give him the time and we will see when he is back. Then we will be happy because we have a quality option extra for the rest of the season."
Ten Hag also said that he has no concerns over the fitness of his players during a busy period, while rejecting suggestions that Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes could need a rest.
"I think so because we have managed it [up until] now quite good. We can do it also until the end of the season, I am happy. Except Anthony Martial, the availability from all the players is there.
"He [Marcus] is fit. Bruno has [played a lot of football], but he likes to play. He doesn't want to miss anything."
Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen remain long-term absentees for Man United, but the latter is on course to return to action before the end of the campaign.
Matt Law
