Man Utd are back in the capital tonight as they face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and they can make up ground in the top four face after results this week.

Raphael Varane has been included in the Manchester United squad to face Chelsea after recovering from an injury that forced him off during the match against Brentford on Saturday night.

The center-back traveled with the team to the capital via train from Stockport on Thursday morning, alongside Jonny Evans, who is also part of the squad. With Victor Lindelof and Lisandro Martinez sidelined for a month due to muscle injuries, Erik ten Hag has three center-backs to choose from.

Additionally, Mason Mount is in the squad for his first return to Stamford Bridge since joining United, having scored his debut goal for the club in the 1-1 draw against Brentford. Amad also makes a comeback after serving a one-game suspension following his red card against Liverpool in the FA Cup, which came after he scored in that match.

Manchester United have an opportunity to close the gap on Aston Villa and Tottenham in the battle for Champions League qualification if they secure a victory against Chelsea tonight. Aston Villa suffered a defeat against Manchester City on Wednesday, while Tottenham managed only a draw against West Ham on Tuesday night.

“I have high standards and I would be disappointed if we didn’t qualify,” said Ten Hag.

“I know it will be very difficult because we are not in a good position. But we want to win every game, that is the standard we have here among each other. We will keep going and keep believing in those standards. That will be the approach in every game. We will keep fighting until the end. I know we are not in a good position. We have to catch up.”

Mount will be eager to capitalize on his brief appearance off the bench at the Gtech Community Stadium against his former club. Ten Hag has disclosed the extent of Chelsea’s efforts to retain their academy graduate during the summer transfer window.

“I don’t think they wanted to sell him,” Ten Hag said. “They wanted to keep him and offered him a new contract many times. But he wanted to make this step.

“We are very pleased he is a Manchester United player because he has great abilities and will contribute and become a big player for Manchester United.”

Confirmed squad members: Onana, Heaton, Bayindir, Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Varane, Kambwala, Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Amrabat, McTominay, Mainoo, Eriksen, Mount, Fernandes, Garnacho, Antony, Amad, Rashford, Hojlund