Manchester United, who are currently suffering a defensive crisis with Rio Ferdinand, Phil Jones, and Chris Smalling all sidelined through injury could welcome back Jonny Evans, who has been recovering from ankle surgery, in their next match.

Evans, who underwent surgery for a foot injury which ruled him out of Manchester United’s final three games of last season, has been training with the first team for the past ten days and could line up against Fulham at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Jonny Evans sustained the injury when ex-Manchester United player Darren Gibson tackled him in the game which saw Everton snatch a 4-4 draw and although United medics at first though rest would ease the problem, it turned out to be worse than feared and surgery was required.

Unable to start pre-season with the rest of his team, Evans moved from light training to training with the first team, although he did miss his side’s defeat in their opening match against Everton.

If Evans does not return to the Manchester United side this weekend he is expected back for their next match and has been named in Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Luxembourg.

See how Manchester United are doing in the Injury League this season so far here.