Man United boss Erik ten Hag hopeful of injury boost for key West Ham showdown

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Jonny Evans will be able to recover in time to be involved in Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium.

Evans was unavailable against Fenerbahce on Thursday due to a knock that he sustained in last weekend's clash with Brentford.

However, Ten Hag has said that the experienced centre-back has a chance of being back in the squad for the game against West Ham, while captain Bruno Fernandes will also return after missing the match with Fenerbahce through suspension.

"We're staying overnight [in Turkey] and then straight to London, training Saturday," Ten Hag told reporters during his press conference on Thursday night. "We expect, of course, Bruno back and, hopefully, also Jonny Evans."

Man United suffered another injury blow against Fenerbahce, though, with Antony picking up an issue which could sideline him for a lengthy period of time, as he was seen leaving the stadium in Istanbul in a protective boot.

Evans could join Fernandes in Man United squad vs. West Ham

Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Toby Collyer are also all again set to be absent for Man United this weekend.

The Red Devils had major injury problems last term, and Ten Hag has said that fitness issues are again making it difficult for the team to reach their full potential.

"Yeah, [the injuries] holds us back in our levels. And also in our position in the league," said Ten Hag. "When you don't have the players available you can't line up the best team and that is what's holding us back in this moment and we need more players more often available.

"We have to work all together on this point, players, coaching staff, all the other staff we have to do better to get more available players. Because we know when we have them we are a really tough team to play and can be really successful, which is what we have shown over the last couple of months."

Will Ten Hag make changes against West Ham?

Fernandes is certain to return to the side against West Ham on Sunday, while there is also expected to be a spot in the final third of the field for Rasmus Hojlund.

Casemiro will also be pushing for a return to the side, as will Evans if he is fit, with the latter putting in another excellent performance in the clash with Brentford last weekend.

Lisandro Martinez has recently been operating as a left-back and that could continue on Sunday, while it remains to be seen whether Manuel Ugarte has done enough to keep his starting role in midfield, with the Uruguay international putting in his best performance for the club in the European draw with Fenerbahce.