Team news update ahead of Newcastle

The boss spoke about Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Christian Eriksen's fitness, during an exclusive interview with MUTV's Mark Sullivan at Carrington.

He was also relieved to report that his international players appear to have returned injury-free from their exertions for their countries during the recent break.

When asked if he thinks Rashford will be fit to play at St James' Park, the boss told us: "I think so. He returned back into the team training on Friday so we are quite positive that he's available for Sunday. So, of course, we are happy with that because he's a very important player for us."

Our leading goalscorer had been forced to withdraw from the England squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine but has been back training following a short break in New York, something which Erik believes has had a positive influence on the forward.

With Martial set to be named in the matchday squad as well for the Tyneside trip, things are looking encouraging when it comes to the firepower at Ten Hag's disposal.

"It's quite positive about all of the players," he informed club media, despite some doubts earlier in the week over Raphael Varane and Marcel Sabitzer. "Christian Eriksen is back on the pitch, not yet in the team training but I expect him in the coming week, [or] weeks, back in team training so will be available for games again.

"So we know how big an impact Christian Eriksen had on our game, but also others, like Anthony Martial, are also returning in team training and [there were] no injuries, luckily, from the internationals. That's always a concern as a manager when the players leave you, how you get them back and, especially, in this stage of the season when it comes to the end, to the final stage."

Tom Heaton is ruled out of the Newcastle clash, though, after sustaining an ankle problem, while Alejandro Garnacho and Donny van de Beek are also still sidelined.

Casemiro, of course, is suspended for the next three fixtures.