Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag says it is great having "class" players such as injured duo Casemiro and Lisandro Martinez back in training.

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Casemiro and Martinez in trainingInjured duo nearing first-team returnTen Hag thrilled to have them backGETTYWHAT HAPPENED?

Midfielder Casemiro has been out with a hamstring injury since November and defender Martinez is recovering from the knee surgery he had last summer. Now, both are back in first-team training – something manager Ten Hag is delighted about.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT ERIK TEN HAG SAID

Ahead of the Wigan FA Cup match on Monday night, he said: “Two class players and they will bring the team forward. We know that and now we're looking forward to their return in the team on matchdays. But we have to wait for that. They still need some time to fully make their comeback but yeah, it is a good signal that they are back on the grass with the team, in the team training. Now, we have to make the next step [to get them] fully in the team training, and then they can work with us.”

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

United have struggled this season, as they sit eighth in the table and are out of the Champions League and Carabao Cup, and injuries to two key players from 2022/23 have not helped their cause. While Casemiro has underwhelmed when he has played this term, and his future at the club could be in doubt, Martinez may play a big role at the club in the second half of the campaign.

WHAT NEXT?

United begin their FA Cup campaign away to League One side Wigan Athletic on Monday night in round three of the competition. Then they host high-flying Tottenham on January 14 as they return to Premier League action.