Manchester United have confirmed that Marcus Rashford “will be unavailable for a few games” on the eve of their Europa League tie with Sevilla.
- Rashford limped off vs Everton
- United confirm he’ll miss Sevilla clash
- No firm timeframe for his recovery
WHAT HAPPENED: The England international limped off during United’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday, and went straight down the tunnel to receive treatment. Following further examinations by the club’s medical staff, the Red Devils have released an official statement confirming that Rashford will miss the first leg of their quarter-final clash with Sevilla due to a muscle injury.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: Although United has not provided a timeline for Rashford’s recovery, the news that he will now miss at least “a few games” is devastating to Erik ten Hag. After the forward sustained an injury against Everton, the Dutchman expressed his outrage and quipped that the current fixture schedule is too hard.
Although it was avoidable, the United manager told reporters that “certain things you can’t avoid.” “Why is the Premier League giving us the late Sunday night game [last week vs. Newcastle] and giving us the early Saturday game? It doesn’t seem right to me. You take a chance since players can’t recover that quickly. According to all available studies, players require a specific amount of time to recuperate, and this time adds up. So then you run even more of a risk.”
AND WHAT’S MORE: Rashford is way out in front as United’s top goalscorer this season with 28 to his name from 47 appearances across all competitions. Bruno Fernandes is next on the list with 10, while Burnley loanee Wout Weghorst has only managed to score twice since his arrival in the January transfer window. Rashford’s absence could prove costly as United continue their fight for Europa League and FA Cup honours to complete a treble, after winning the Carabao Cup in February.
IN TWO PHOTOS:
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WHAT’S NEXT FOR MAN UTD? Ten Hag’s side will welcome Sevilla to Old Trafford for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday, with a trip to Nottingham Forest scheduled in the Premier League three days later. The return leg against Sevilla in Spain will take place on April 20.
