Manchester United have been handed a potentially major injury boost with Bruno Fernandes, who has been seen with the squad ahead of Thursday's Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Portugal international, who has worn the armband in the absence of Harry Maguire this season, was recently pictured at home with crutches and his foot in a boot following Sunday's FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Fernandes was withdrawn in extra time at Wembley, although he was seen barking instructions to his teammates from the touchline as the Red Devils went through on penalties.
However, the images of Fernandes's protective gear - posted on social media by his wife - sparked immediate fears that he would not be available for Thursday's crunch match in North London.
Erik ten Hag revealed in his pre-game press conference that Fernandes was a doubt, but the Dutchman did not rule out the prospect of the 28-year-old recovering in time for the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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The Red Devils may ultimately be able to call upon their chief creator, who was pictured with the travelling party for Thursday's game, as reported by The Mirror.
Whether Fernandes is given the green light to start the match remains to be seen, but the midfielder should make the bench at the very least in a relief for the Red Devils faithful.
Despite not enjoying his most fruitful season in terms of numbers, Fernandes has still come up with a respectable 10 goals and 13 assists in 50 outings for Ten Hag's side in all tournaments, proving yet again to be a vital part of the Man United setup.
Furthermore, the former Sporting Lisbon man has produced 157 shot-creating actions this season - only behind Lionel Messi (167) and Kevin De Bruyne (161) in the top five European leagues this season.
Should Fernandes not be passed fit from the first whistle, Ten Hag has the option to introduce Marcel Sabitzer or move Christian Eriksen further forward, allowing Fred to return to the engine room as Scott McTominay recovers from a knock.
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The Red Devils boss has further concerns defensively, though, as Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane recuperate from the serious issues that they sustained against Sevilla in the Europa League.
Martinez is already confirmed to be missing the rest of the season with his metatarsal fracture, but Ten Hag is hopeful that Varane's ankle problem will clear up in time for the FA Cup final.
Tom Heaton and Alejandro Garnacho are nursing their own ankle concerns, and while the latter is now closing in on a return, Thursday's match will come too soon for the Argentine.
Man United occupy the fourth and final Champions League spot in the table heading into Thursday's showdown, only behind Newcastle United on goal difference with a game in hand.
Meanwhile, Tottenham - who have played two games more than the Red Devils - sit six points worse off in seventh place, having dropped below Aston Villa and Liverpool in the heated race for top-flight European football.
Ben Knapton
