Erik ten Hag confirmed that Antony is in contention to make his return to the pitch against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Manchester United announced on Friday afternoon that Antony is available again for selection.
The Brazilian winger has been out of the squad since 23 August, placed on leave of absence following domestic abuse allegations made by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin.
Antony has always denied the allegations, including those made by two other women, but Cavallin’s lawyers issued a statement on her behalf in response to Antony’s return to United. That is a clear sign that they are still tackling the case even though the Brazil international has volunteered to co-operate with police in Sao Paolo and Manchester.
Having returned to Carrington over the weekend, Ten Hag has confirmed that Antony returned to full team training on Sunday and is expected to train again today.
“Antony will be in contention but yesterday was his first time back in team training,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News. “We have a final training, then we’ll make a decision.”
That seems to be a hint from the manager that Antony may feature as a substitute on his return to the team.
Ten Hag was later pressed on Antony’s case by a reporter who questioned what sort of message Antony’s return sends to domestic abuse victims.
The manager replied: “Antony co-operated fully and it came out, he’s not charged, so…”
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erik ten prank. WE DONT WANT HIM NEAR THE SQUAD. we let mason to leave for a reason, resign and take him with you wherever you go. none elite club will come for you after all prank