Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, has indicated the possibility of Antony making a return in the Champions League match at home against Galatasaray on Tuesday.
This comes as police investigations continue into allegations of abuse against the Brazilian international, a claim he vehemently denies.
United granted the 23-year-old winger a leave of absence on September 10, and he recently returned to England.
Antony voluntarily participated in an interview with Greater Manchester Police last Thursday and subsequently resumed training over the weekend.
As a result, there is now the potential for him to feature in the match against Turkish champions Galatasaray at Old Trafford, marking his return to the field a month after his last appearance against Arsenal.
“Antony will be in consideration, but yesterday was his first time back in team training,” United manager Ten Hag told a pre-match press conference on Monday.
“We have a final training (session) and then we make a decision, but he will be in consideration, yeah.”
Antony is currently contending with multiple accusations of physical aggression directed towards his ex-girlfriend, Gabriela Cavallin, who came forward to speak with Brazilian media earlier this month.
The winger has strongly refuted these allegations, including additional claims of assault made by two other women. Importantly, Antony has not faced any arrests or charges in either Brazil or the United Kingdom.
He participated in a voluntary interview, during which he provided evidence to substantiate his firm denials, and departed without any imposed restrictions.
Ten Hag, asked what Antony’s return to the squad said to victims of domestic violence, said: “So, he cooperated fully,” having not heard the initial question. “It came out he’s not charged, so…”
Antony’s fellow forward Jadon Sancho remains sidelined, with full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Sergio Reguilon out injured, while Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo have been unable to feature this season.
Martinez set for surgery
Now centre-back Lisandro Martinez is facing up to three months on the sidelines after the Argentina international underwent surgery following a fractured metatarsal in April’s Europa League quarter-final first leg against Sevilla.
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“I can confirm Licha Martinez will have to undergo surgery,” Ten Hag said. “So, the team news is probably Antony dos Santos can return.”
United head into Tuesday’s match desperately needing a win following a 4-3 defeat by Bayern Munich in their Champions League opener and Saturday’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace.
That Old Trafford defeat came after back-to-back wins, with Ten Hag saying: “Of course we are disappointed about the result.
“Then you have to analyse the game, where were the problems, then you have to move forward, but also give solutions for the problems.”
Marcus Rashford’s performances are under particular scrutiny, with the England international having scored just once this season following 30 goals in all competitions last term.
“The facts are that he is not scoring in this moment, but also he had the opportunities,” Ten Hag said of Rashford.
“I think, for instance, in the game against Brighton, there were five or six occasions when he was in a very good spot.
“If he works hard and if he invests every day, goes into every game with the right focus and if the team also around him supply him, help him and support him with movement then it will come.”