Eriksen suffered an ankle injury in January (Picture: Getty)

Erik ten Hag is confident Christian Eriksen will return in time to have a big role in Manchester United’s season run-in.

Signed on a free transfer in the summer, the Dane has been an integral part of ten Hag’s midfield this season, starting all but one of United’s league games until injury struck in January.

The former Tottenham star was sidelined as a result of a horrendous challenge from Andy Carroll during an FA Cup fourth round victory over Reading, a setback that prompted United into a deadline day move to sign midfielder Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich.

United’s initial assessment revealed the 30-year-old would be ruled out until late April or early May with the ankle problem.

Offering an update on Friday, ten Hag revealed Eriksen is making good progress in his bid to return, suggesting he could be available sooner than expected following the conclusion of this month’s international break.’

‘I think he will play again [this season], definitely,’ ten Hag said.

‘I can’t say from now an expectation but I think his progress in rehab is okay, it’s going to plan.

The Dane joined in with United’s Carabao Cup

‘I definitely think we’ll see him but not before the international break. His main focus is to get back as soon as possible because we need all of our players.’

United have also been without Anthony Martial for most of the year.

The 27-year-old started United’s first three games of the year but has not featured since the Carabao Cup semi-final victory over Nottingham Forest due to a hip problem.

With his last start for the club almost two months ago, United have been short up front with Wout Weghorst starting 15 games since his January arrival.

Martial took part in a full training session at Carrington on Wednesday but ten Hag offered little hope of him being involved on Sunday against Southampton.

‘I think all the time we had a good plan until now, not always good but he’s on his way back,’ ten Hag said. ‘He’s back training but we will be cautious.’

MORE : Lisandro Martinez praises two Manchester United team-mates after Real Betis win

MORE : Pierluigi Collina slams referee for taking pity on Manchester United during Liverpool thrashing

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Dane has been sidelined since January.