Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are serious doubts for Manchester United’s trip to Crystal Palace on Monday.
Rashford was injured in United’s dramatic FA Cup semi-final win over Coventry City at Wembley and missed the last two games against Sheffield United and Burnley.
Fernandes, who has never missed a game for United through injury, was hurt in the draw with the Clarets at Old Trafford on Saturday but Ten Hag is backing his captain to fight to be fit in time for the game at Selhurst Park.
Asked about Rashford, Ten Hag said: ‘I can't tell. So it was last week, after Coventry, his issue hasn't healed so far. After the game (against Burnley), we had an issue with Bruno. He is a doubt for Monday. We all know Bruno, he will fight, never rule him out for any game. He will do his best to be available.’
There was a boost for United on Thursday when Anthony Martial returned to training for the first time since January and Jonny Evans was also involved.
‘Jonny Evans returned today for team training,’ added Ten Hag. ‘Tomorrow we are off and then two days until the game. Martial was partly in team training.’
Although United’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League have disappeared, they can still qualify for the Europa League by finishing fifth or sixth in the table or winning the FA Cup final.
‘Of course, it's important but we have two opportunities, one in the league and one in the FA Cup final,’ added Ten Hag, who dismissed concerns that dropping down to Europe’s junior competition could dissuade transfer targets from joining United this summer.
‘Definitely it will have an impact on the budget but I'm sure Manchester United is a very attractive team and club to play for. Many players will be very happy to play for Manchester United, I'm sure.’