Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has refused to rule Bruno Fernandes out of Thursday's Premier League clash against Tottenham - amid a key detail surrounding his recovery being revealed.
Fernandes suffered an ankle injury against Brighton in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday, and has since been pictured wearing protection around his ankle and foot area.
The Portugal midfielder played on at Wembley after initially suffering the problem in the first half, but was eventually replaced in extra time as United went on to win via a penalty shootout.
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ESPN claimed that he was due to undergo tests on Monday to determine the extent of the injury - although the club were yet to make an official announcement on Fernandes' diagnosis prior to Ten Hag's press conference.
However, the Dutchman has now addressed the midfielder's absence for the first time.
Ten Hag on Fernandes
Speaking in his press conference, Ten Hag said that United were still unclear on the extent of Fernandes' injury - but that he was not yet ruled out of the Spurs clash.
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He stated: "We have to see how Bruno is - we don't know yet."
However, the Daily Mirror's David O'Donnell has reported that the Portuguese midfielder has been walking without the protective boot or crutches that he was seen alongside on Monday.
That will surely be a positive for United as they sweat on Fernandes' fitness ahead of a key fixture in their Premier League season.
The 28-year-old was absent for their devastating 3-0 defeat to Sevilla in the Europa League quarter-final through suspension, and the club will hope that is the last game he misses this season as they enter the Premier League run-in.
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He has featured in 48 of their 51 matches this season, as well as playing for Portugal in the World Cup, and United will be desperate to delay any fatigue effects until they have safely secured Champions League qualification for next season.
Topics: Erik Ten Hag, Bruno Fernandes, Manchester United, Injury
Ryan Smart