Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirms that Marcus Rashford is out for a couple of months and could miss the Euros
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that striker Marcus Rashford is out for a couple of months and has stated that he could miss the European Championships in the summer.
The England international suffered a double stress fracture in his back after coming on as a substitute in United’s 1-0 win over Wolves in an FA Cup replay in mid-January.
Skopje, FYROM – August 8,2017: Manchester United Marcus Rashford during the UEFA Super Cup Final match between Real Madrid and Manchester United at Philip II Arena in Skopje
Initially, reports came out suggesting that the 22-year-old would be out for six weeks with the injury but Solskjaer has confirmed that the injury is worse than they feared and he will be touch and go to finish the season.
The former United striker has come out and stated that if Rashford is not fit enough, he will also miss the Euros for England.
Rashford has had one of his best seasons to date for United contributing to 24 goals in all competitions in just 31 appearances from either left-wing or striker.
He has scored nearly 40% of United’s goals in the Premier League, 14, and has been a key reason why United are not lower down in the Premier League table.
The injury will be a big blow for both the Red Devils and Gareth Southgate’s England side, who are looking to win their first major tournament since 1966.
Solskjaer was able to sign Odion Ighalo on loan in the January transfer window as a back-up striker to Anthony Martial.
However, with Rashford’s injury, the French international will have to play as a left-winger and Ighalo will have to start leaving young sensation Mason Greenwood as the only back-up in those positions.
Gareth Southgate will also have striking problems with Harry Kane only set to return from injury in May meaning his fitness might be low coming into the Euros.
With Jamie Vardy also retired from international duty, Southgate will have to start the likes of Callum Wilson or call-up an in-form Danny Ings.
Solskjaer has also updated United fans on the fitness on superstar midfielder Paul Pogba but has stated that there is no return date for the World Cup winner just yet.
With Manchester City out of the Champions League for the next two seasons, the Red Devils could finish 5th and secure a return to Europe’s elite competition.
United are only three points away from 4th placed Chelsea who they just beat 2-0 and only two away from a Jose Mourinho-led Spurs side in 5th.
