Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has refused to rule out the possibility of Marcus Rashford missing England’s European Championships campaign, though the striker has suggested he will play again this season.
Rashford was substituted just minutes after coming on during Manchester United‘s 1-0 FA Cup third-round replay victory over Wolves last week, the forward suffering a double stress fracture in his back and expected to miss at least two months.
However, others who have experienced similar injuries have suggested his recovery will be much longer, raising questions about whether the 22-year-old will be fit before the end of the season or for Euro 2020.
Rashford’s absence would be a huge blow to England manager Gareth Southgate with major doubts also surrounding the fitness of captain Harry Kane, and Solskjaer refused to rule out the possibility of the club’s top scorer missing the tournament, insisting Rashford will be given ‘as long as he needs’ to return to full fitness.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s clash with Burnley at Old Trafford, Solskjaer said: “Marcus is going to get as long as he needs to get fit. We are not going to risk him when he has had an injury.
“I have got the best medical staff in the country and I am sure when Marcus comes back he will be 100 per cent fit. He wants to get back as quickly and safely as possible and we’ll give him that time. When he feels ready and medically cleared, he’ll be back.”
Meanwhile, Rashford reckons he will make a return before the end of the season…
Thanks guys, I’ll be back before the season ends to hopefully help my team claim top 4 👊🏾 https://t.co/JhTUi8yzLO
— MR (@MarcusRashford) January 22, 2020
Read – Solskjaer refuses to be drawn on Gary Neville’s criticism of Ed Woodward
See also – ‘Growing confidence’ Manchester United can seal Bruno Fernandes transfer