Luke Shaw’s return to training for the first time in three months has given Manchester United a huge boost.
Shaw appeared in the first two games of the season against Wolves and Tottenham, but has been out since mid-August with a significant thigh muscle injury.
The 28-year-old England defender returned to first-team training at Carrington this week and is back in contention for a string of important games, beginning with a trip to Everton on Sunday.
In Shaw’s absence, United have suffered at left-back, with Tyrell Malacia still out due to knee surgery and loan signing Sergio Reguilon out due to a hamstring injury and illness.
As a result of the issue, right-footed defenders Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof, as well as midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, have stepped in at left-back.
Shaw’s absence has also been identified as one of the reasons for Marcus Rashford’s slump this season, with United losing their successful left-wing pairing.
More positive news for manager Erik ten Hag, as goalkeeper Andre Onana has been able to practice for the previous two days despite suffering a groin injury while on international duty with Cameroon.
Onana was injured during Cameroon’s World Cup qualification win over Mauritius and returned to Manchester on Sunday before Cameroon’s match against Libya.
However, he has fully healed and is likely to start for United against Goodison Park.
Lisandro Martinez sat out Wednesday’s first-team practice as he continues his recovery from a fractured foot that necessitated a second operation.
Martinez is undergoing individual training at Carrington after returning from Argentina, although he and Brazil midfielder Casemiro are not likely to return to play until January.
Rasmus Hojlund is remains doubtful for Sunday’s encounter after straining his right hamstring against Luton before the international break.
Hojlund was ruled out of Denmark’s games against Slovenia and Northern Ireland, as was his United teammate Christian Eriksen, who suffered a knee injury against Luton and is set to be out until the middle of December.