Erik ten Hag insists Antony’s return to the Manchester United squad will not be a distraction as the Brazilian star continues to fight domestic abuse allegations.
Antony will resume training at Carrington on Saturday before his teammates take on Crystal Palace at Old Trafford after returning from Brazil on Tuesday.
The 23-year-old was questioned by Greater Manchester Police on Thursday over allegations he assaulted his girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin – which he strongly denies – and was allowed home without any restrictions.
United issued a statement on Friday ahead of Ten Hag’s press conference announcing Antony’s return and the Dutchman said: ‘We make the statement, so I refer to the statement, everything has been made clear in the statement. No, I don’t think it’s a distraction. We will concentrate on the games. He will too.
‘He will be back for training on Saturday, so tomorrow. I have to see, but I think: yes (he is fit).’
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag does not believe Antony’s return to the squad will be a distraction amid domestic violence allegations against him
The 23-year-old will return to training with United and will be available to play matches
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Ten Hag was less willing to talk about Jadon Sancho, who continues to train on his own after refusing to apologize to his manager for publicly challenging his reasons for dropping the player from Arsenal earlier this month.
“Many of you ask me this so often, these questions, and I have said everything,” Ten Hag replied.
United said in a statement that Antony’s situation “will be monitored pending further developments in the case.”
It said: ‘Since the first allegations were made in June, Antony has cooperated with police investigations in both Brazil and Britain and continues to do so.
‘As Antony’s employer, Manchester United have decided that he will resume training at Carrington and be available for selection while the police investigation continues. This will be monitored pending further developments in the case.
‘As a club we condemn violence and abuse. We recognize the importance of protecting everyone involved in this situation, and acknowledge the impact these allegations have on survivors of abuse.”
Antony returned to Britain on Tuesday evening after confirming with police in Sao Paulo that he could leave Brazil, and voluntarily met with Greater Manchester police on Thursday.
It is understood that at the end of the interview he was not arrested or detained and was allowed to go home without any restrictions.
Antony’s ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin claims Antony assaulted her four times
Antony has missed the last four games since the international break after being dropped by Brazil and put on leave by United to remain in South America to fight the allegations.
He has been accused by his ex-girlfriend Gabriela Cavallin of assaulting him a total of four times, including twice in Britain.
She claims the former Ajax winger, who joined United last year for £82million, attacked her at the Hyatt Regency hotel in Manchester on January 15, damaging one of her breast implants.
She also claims that in June Antony cut her finger to the bone when he threw a glass at her.
The 23-year-old gave a tearful television interview earlier this month in which he denied the allegations
Another woman, 33-year-old banker Ingrid Lana, has made a similar accusation. A third accuser, Rayssa de Freitas, reportedly dropped her charges.
The player made an emotional TV appearance in his home country earlier this month to deny all allegations.
Antony told Brazilian TV channel SBT earlier this month: ‘I know the truth and it will come out. I know many are bashing me, but the truth always comes out.
‘I am 100 percent sure that I have never touched a woman, and I will provide proof. I have never assaulted and I will never assault. I’m sure I’ve never committed physical violence. I have a mother and a sister, and I would never want this to happen to them.”