Erik ten Hag admits it has been frustrating not being able to call upon Anthony Martial following the Manchester United forward’s injury issues this season.
Martial has made just four appearances for the Red Devils this season with a combination of hamstring, Achilles and back injuries seeing the 26-year-old miss 12 weeks of action.
The France international – who has scored three goals and provided two assists in just 134 minutes of football this season – is currently undergoing rehabilitation from his latest issue and United will be without his services for this weekend’s clash with West Ham.
Ten Hag expressed his frustration with Martial’s lack of minutes this season and discussed whether the forward could feature before the World Cup.
“I hope. He’s making progress, he’s outside, he’s working there, he’s on the pitch and we’re waiting for his step back in team training,” Ten Hag told his pre-match press conference.
“He had a setback as he fell out against Everton with his back. He’s had some injuries, it’s really frustrating for us but also for him.
“We’ve seen him play well in pre-season. He’s had less minutes but he’s scored already three goals. Against Everton, he had an important role with the first goal, his assist for Antony.
“It would be good to have him back because he can make the difference and score goals, but also linking up he’s really important and his pressing is really good.”
