Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount returned to training on Tuesday after four months out with a calf injury.
Mount has made just 12 appearances in all competitions for United since his £60 million ($76 million) transfer from Chelsea before the start of this season.
The 25-year-old last played when he came off the bench in United’s 1-0 win against Luton in November
Even when he was fit to feature, Mount struggled to make an impact, leading some to brand the England international a flop.
But Mount could still have a chance to silence the critics this season after United confirmed he was back in training, having “remained upbeat and positive throughout his rehabilitation”.
The playmaker’s long-awaited return came just days after Erik ten Hag offered a promising update on his status.
“Mason Mount, I think he is in a good spell now and he will return shortly,” Ten Hag said on Friday. “I think after the international break.”
Mount is unlikely to feature in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, but could be involved when United travel to Brentford on March 30.
Mount’s presence will be a welcome boost to a United side looking to keep alive their faint hopes of Champions League qualification via a top four finish in the Premier League.
United are eight points behind fourth placed Aston Villa with 10 games left.
Ten Hag expects Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to be back from injuries for Liverpool’s visit to Old Trafford.
Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain sidelined.
