Christian Eriksen was welcomed back into the fold for Manchester United in December following a month-long spell on the sidelines.
The experienced midfielder was dealt the injury setback just two months into the season – the second of his Red Devils career – during the side’s 1-0 Premier League win over Luton Town.
Prior to that, Eriksen’s game time had fluctuated due to him falling slightly in the pecking order. He made six starts before sustaining the knee problem and was granted five appearances off the bench. Since returning to action, he’s started two matches and made a five-minute cameo against West Ham United.
Given United’s dismal form and record-breakingly poor start to the term, it remains to be seen if Erik ten Hag will shuffle his squad around when they tackle their two January fixtures.
The first comes on January 8 against Wigan Athletic in the third-round of the FA Cup and, given that the opposition currently sit 17th-placed in League One, there’s no reason why some of the youngsters shouldn’t be given a run out.
Then, it’s a reunion with a former flame for Eriksen, as the Reds welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Old Trafford on January 14. Ange Postecoglou’s side are fifth-placed and well in the mix for a Champions League spot.
Eriksen weighs in on 2023 and January schedule
It’s certainly a quieter month for the squad in comparison to the likes of the 2022/2023 campaign, which saw them play a total of 65 games across five competitions, and the Dane believes it’ll do his teammates good to have a bit of respite.
“I’ve just been injured and I missed the games, so for me, it’s never a good time to have a holiday, but no obviously it will be good for the team. And like I said, there’s been, especially last year, so many games and at the start of the season there were a lot of games, not only for us, but I think for everyone. It’s a healthy way of having a bit of a break and recharge and then be ready to go again.
“I think I’m more, in terms of football, taking one game at a time, trying to do the best we can do at the present [time]. Then I have to see what happens after. But yes, take it one game at a time, but hopefully in the end it will finish on a strong note.”
He also gave his verdict on 2023 as a whole for United, saying: “It’s been a rollercoaster. It’s been up and down. There’s been some really good moments. There’s been a trophy in between. There have been some good games, there have been some bad games.
“But generally and overall I’ve been very pleased and I’m very happy to be at United. It’s a lovely place. It’s a nice club and there are really nice people to work with and play alongside.”
