After returning to first-team training at Carrington, Christian Eriksen is ready to get back on the pitch for Manchester United.

Since suffering a knee injury in November’s 1-0 win against Luton Town at Old Trafford, the Danish international has missed seven games for the Reds in all competitions.

Eriksen participated in the group session for the first time since his recuperation on Monday morning, however it is unclear when he will be available to Erik ten Hag again.

Our number 14 expressed his displeasure at having to sit on the bench after playing in all but one of our league games before to the match with the Hatters.

“Yeah, I hope so,” Christian replied, when asked if we’ll see him pull on the red shirt again soon.

“Like you said, it was the first part in training with the team [on Monday] and it felt good, so it’s going well.

“I think it’s always annoying to be on the side, no matter for how long and definitely now.

“When it takes a little bit longer than you wished for, then obviously it’s hard, but no, I was eager to come back as soon as I could.”

Eriksen has been among a number of United players who have been AWOL in recent weeks.

Casemiro and Mason Mount have both been absent recently, and Bruno Fernandes was punished for Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Anfield.

Our 18-year-old Academy graduate, Kobbie Mainoo, caught the attention on Merseyside, and Sofyan Amrabat and Scott McTominay have also been regulars in the XI.

The Reds next face West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday (December 23), and Ten Hag may deliver an update on Eriksen during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

For the time being, the former Ajax and Tottenham midfielder is just concerned with making himself eligible for selection.