Manchester United have announced that Marcus Rashford will ‘unavailable for a few games’ through injury but will return before the end of the season.
The prolific forward limped off during United’s 2-0 win over Everton last Saturday, shortly after setting up Anthony Martial for the second goal of the game.
It was later confirmed that the 25-year-old had suffered a muscle injury but how long he would be on the sidelines for was unclear, though it seemed unlikely he would be back in time for Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Sevilla.
The Red Devils have now confirmed this to be the case in a statement on Wednesday morning, saying: ‘Marcus Rashford will be unavailable for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League quarter-final game against Sevilla because of a muscle injury.
‘The forward was withdrawn in the 80th minute of Saturday’s 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Old Trafford and immediately headed to the dressing room for treatment.
‘Subsequent assessment of the injury suggested that Marcus will be unavailable for a few games, but is expected to be back for the season run-in.’
Following Thursday’s match at Old Trafford, United take on Nottingham Forest on Sunday but the following 10 days sees a crucial run of games for Erik ten Hag’s men.
Firstly, they travel to Sevilla for the second-leg of the quarter-final tie, before heading to Wembley for an FA semi-final against Brighton, and finally facing Tottenham in a pivotal match in the top four race.
While the news could certainly have been a lot worse, it is a big blow for United who have relied heavily on Rashford’s goals this season.
The England international has found the back of the net 28 times in 47 appearances so far this season, with United’s next top goalscorer being Bruno Fernandes on 10.
But this does not concern Ten Hag, who recently said: ‘We have many more players across the squad who can score.
‘I think we have players like Bruno, like Jadon Sancho, like Anthony Martial, like Scott McTominay, like Antony. We have enough players with the capabilities to score goals, definitely.’
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