For the first time in many months, Manchester United will be eager to be back in action after an international break this weekend.
Ruben Amorim's side had put in an impressive run of form in the weeks leading up to the most recent international window, and sit just four points behind second-placed Manchester City in the Premier League table.
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Their fixture list between now and Christmas looks relatively favourable, and will surely be targeted for major points to bring United closer to their target of European football.
United will soon be boosted by the return of long-sidelined star Lisandro Martinez.
The Argentinean defender has been absent since being forced off during Februarys' 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, which saw Martinez stretchered off having torn his ACL.
It was his second cruciate injury in as many years, and it has been a long road back to recovery for a player many see as potentially pivotal in United's back three system.
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During his Friday press conference, Amorim gave an update on Martinez's fitness - and ruled out the possibility of switching his position in an effort to address a problem area for United.
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Ruben Amorim rules out moving Martinez into United midfield
Lisandro Martinez Manchester United
Ruben Amorim addressed the media on Friday ahead of Manchester United's return to Premier League action against Everton.
He revealed that Lisandro Martinez is "close" to a return to action, with the Argentine returning to training in recent weeks.
Martinez has played at CDM on occasion in the past, and the base of midfield has been something of an issue for Manchester United over the last few seasons.
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However, Amorim ruled out moving 'The Butcher' into midfield when he does return to action.
A smart intelligent football player can play in a lot of positions but it is not the right position for him.
He needs more time to work there and he is not working there but in an emergency he can play, but I am not thinking about that.
I feel Licha is becoming close to being able to play. We need to be careful, he is going to struggle in the first minutes but he is clearly in a better position than he was two weeks ago.
If Martinez wishes to regain his place on the left of Ruben Amorim's back three, he will have an in-form Luke Shaw to contend with.
Shaw has been impressive since his horror show against Manchester City in September, in the left centre-back role Martinez had locked down this time last year.
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It will be fascinating to see what kind of role fan-favourite Lisandro Martinez plays when he returns to action with Manchester United.
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