The French defender suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training at the end of July but, having travelled to Italy for the first part of his rehabilitation and worked hard with United's medical team in recent weeks, he has made excellent progress.

His return comes just over four months after he sustained the injury and his is likely to play the opening 45 minutes at Whitley Park in the 7pm (GMT) kick-off against the Canaries.

Speaking to NUFC TV in October, the 27-year-old said: "I prepared really hard for the pre-season. Everything was going fine until I got my injury, and obviously this injury hindered my progress.

"It was like a big hit to the head when I found out the type of injury. You never know how long it's going to take to recover from. But thankfully I had the support of my friends, from everyone around, from my wife, so I just thought 'that's it, I've got to deal with it and get operated on by the best surgeons' - which happened in Italy.

"(Rafa Benítez) knew the surgeon in Italy because he had dealt with him in Naples for very similar surgeries, so it was quite obvious for me to go to Italy for it."

Over the last few months, Lejeune has been boosted by the support he's received on social media from supporters and added: "I was pleasantly surprised to get so many messages.

"I didn't expect so many. It's been like a driving force. They are pushing me to get better and it's been a great help."

Admission on Monday night is free for season ticket holders and members, otherwise it's £3 for adults and £1 concessions.