Edinson Cavani has played less than 300 minutes across all competitions for Manchester United this season.
That would have been almost inconceivable towards the back end of last season. Cavani enjoyed an outstanding debut campaign at United and he rounded it off when scoring a delightful goal against Fulham in the final home game of the season, which was fitting.
Around 10,000 United fans were permitted to return to Old Trafford for that afternoon in May and Cavani's goal was arguably worth the wait after a season behind closed doors.
Cavani had signed a one-year contract extension at United one week before that match and that news was warmly welcomed by all of those involved with the club. There had been doubts over the forward's ability to still perform on the elite stage considering heis age and fitness problems, but Cavani emphatically silenced the critics with every goal that found the back of the net.
The Uruguayan's brace against Southampton and that audacious lofted chip against Fulham were the highlights from a stellar campaign in which he scored 17 goals in all. United always looked better with Cavani on the pitch and he seemed a certain start this term.
But it hasn't worked out that way and his time at the club is now in danger of ending in a disappointing manner after such promise.
Cavani has been dealing with a tendon issue for some time now and he underwent treatment for the problem during the November international break. He has since returned to full training at Carrington and is finally available for selection again.
Cristiano Ronaldo's arrival and Cavani's own fight for fitness have meant the Uruguay star has had limited minutes this season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer preferred to play just one centre-forward in the 4-2-3-1 system that defined his tenure and Cavani watched on as Ronaldo started up front this season.
However, Ralf Rangnick's latest tactical tweak means the pair could play together again.
Solskjaer played Ronaldo and Cavani together at Tottenham in October and their understanding with each other was evident from the first whistle in that game. Cavani's world-class movement makes him a game-changing asset for United and he's the perfect foil for Ronaldo.
Rangnick has asked United to play 4-2-2-2 since his arrival as interim boss and Marcus Rashford has started in both of the German's Premier League matches alongside Ronaldo. You couldn't fault Rashford's effort in those matches but he's simply not Cavani.
Cavani's contract expires at the end of the season and it seems that he's heading towards the exit door. United don't have anyone at the club that possesses his skill set at centre-forward, though, and another one-year extension might not be the worst idea.
It ultimately depends on his fitness because that's the only lingering doubt hanging over the 34-year-old despite rumours linking him with Barcelona or a return home to South America.
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Cavani is understood to be an elder statesman in the Reds' squad and Mason Greenwood is among those to have benefited from working with him since he joined the club on a free transfer.
Cavani could start this weekend and it's unlikely that he would waste the opportunity to send a timely reminder of his talent. There may be long-term and short-term benefits to keeping him.
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