Erik Ten Hag Provides An Update On Marcus Rashford Following His Injury Against Liverpool.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has provided an update on Marcus Rashford’s fitness following his early substitution in the Red Devils’ 2-2 Premier League draw against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
The England international, who hasn’t reached the same level of performance as he did in the 2022-23 season, was included in the starting lineup at Old Trafford on Sunday after being left out for Thursday’s exciting 4-3 defeat to Chelsea.
However, Rashford was forced off the field after just 66 minutes due to an unspecified injury, with Antony coming on to replace him for the remainder of the match at the Theatre of Dreams.
Rashford’s substitution occurred just before Kobbie Mainoo’s impressive goal gave United a 2-1 lead, following earlier goals from Bruno Fernandes and Luis Diaz.
Despite holding onto their one-goal advantage for a period, United couldn’t maintain it until the end, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Harvey Elliott in the box late in the game, allowing Mohamed Salah to secure a point for Liverpool from the penalty spot.
Ten Hag downplayed concerns about Rashford’s condition. Speaking to MUTV, he expressed optimism about Rashford’s swift return, stating, “I’m not sure, but I don’t think it will be long term.”
This reassurance from Ten Hag will be welcomed by Manchester United supporters. Rashford has contributed eight goals and five assists in 38 games this season, with seven of those goals coming in the Premier League.
Despite criticism of Rashford’s perceived lack of effort on the pitch in recent months, Ten Hag clarified that Rashford’s absence from the starting lineup against Chelsea was due to fitness concerns.
Before facing Liverpool on Sunday, Manchester United suffered another setback as Scott McTominay was unavailable due to an undisclosed injury. McTominay and Rashford are now among nine players sidelined for United, with the majority of concerns revolving around defensive players, as six defenders are currently receiving medical attention.
Which Manchester United players might be next to return from injury?
Luke Shaw, plagued by misfortune, is in a race against time to recover from a thigh injury before the end of the season. However, Ten Hag has disclosed that Shaw’s recovery is progressing as planned, and he should return before the campaign concludes.
Meanwhile, Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof are expected to be sidelined for a few weeks due to calf and thigh issues, respectively. Tyrell Malacia has been absent for the entire season as he continues his recovery from a knee injury and has yet to make an appearance.
Additionally, Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans missed the Chelsea match due to injuries sustained earlier in the week. This forced Ten Hag to pair teenager Willy Kambwala with Harry Maguire on Sunday. However, the duration of their absence remains uncertain.
On the attacking front, Anthony Martial underwent groin surgery in January, ruling him out for 10 weeks. His return is imminent, barring any setbacks.
Recently, Ten Hag stated that Martial’s future with the club “depends” on him, as his contract expires at the end of the season. It is anticipated that Martial will depart on a free transfer when his contract expires.
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