Manchester United have been handed a significant injury boost as Aaron Wan-Bissaka nears a return from injury ahead of schedule, according to reports. Erik ten Hag's defensive injury crisis is set to receive another boost with the comeback of - based on the season's start - his first-choice right-back.

And there lies a dilemma.

Wan-Bissaka started United's opening four games of the campaign before dropping to the bench for Diogo Dalot in the 3-1 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.

He sustained a hamstring injury during his substitute cameo at Old Trafford and has been absent since that clash on September 16.

Dalot started the following eight games during Wan-Bissaka's rehabilitation and has been one of United's bright sparks in a disappointing campaign so far.

So Ten Hag has a difficult decision to make, with Wan-Bissaka's return to fitness imminent and fixtures approaching thick and fast.

According to the Mail, the 25-year-old has taken a significant step towards a comeback on the pitch by resuming training at Carrington.

The report claims Wan-Bissaka could be available by the end of next week if the final stages of his recovery go as planned.

He could be eyeing next Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham at Craven Cottage as his next appearance.

United host Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday and Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday before then.

But both games likely promise to be too intense to risk throwing Wan-Bissaka back in and risking an aggravation of his hamstring problem.

It means Dalot's status as a surefire starter is safe for now, but Ten Hag is bound to soon receive questions about whether he will restore Wan-Bissaka as his go-to right-back.

Ten Hag's answer would likely follow along the lines that it's important to have two top players competing in each position. That's true. It's what any manager should strive for.

On current form, it would be incredibly harsh to drop Dalot, who is enjoying one of his best spells since joining United from FC Porto as a teenager in 2018.

But Wan-Bissaka will want to play football, especially if he's to sign a new long-term contract at Old Trafford, which United have lined up in recent months.

His return will be more welcome than not, though. Following Sergio Reguilon's comeback against FC Copenhagen, Ten Hag's defensive options are starting to look a lot more promising.