Rasmus Højlund of Manchester United will likely not make the derby against Manchester City due to a muscular issue that might keep him out for up to three weeks.
Højlund, who has scored in his previous six outings, may miss up to five games, beginning on Saturday when Fulham visits Old Trafford.
Additionally, it seems unlikely that the 21-year-old will be available for the March 3 match at Etihad Stadium against City.
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“It’s a small injury, two to three weeks,” manager Erik ten Hag stated at a press conference on Friday.
“That’s what transpired; that’s the risk associated with training and playing at a high level. Although the injury is not severe, he will now need to wait two or three weeks.
Ten Hag already without Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martínez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, and Mason Mount; Højlund’s loss is a blow.
In their attempt to reclaim a spot in the Champions League, United is now without a recognised striker and left-back.
Five points adrift of fourth-place Aston Villa is Ten Hag’s club in sixth position in the standings.
“[Injuries] are an issue but other clubs have this and we have to deal with this,” Ten Hag stated.
“I feel we can deal with it better but it’s an issue with the depth of the squad.”
This week, United announced that Sir Jim Ratciffe’s agreement to become a minority owner was fulfilled.
Ten Hag has stated that part of the 71-year-old British billionaire’s aspirations to revive Old Trafford’s fortunes is to continue as manager past the summer.
“We talk a lot,” Ten Hag remarked. “I’ve talked to him and Dave Brailsford about this team, this club, and the structures on several occasions.
“We have a lot in common. It perfectly aligns with my goals, which I already had when I joined. After 19 months, I can tell that things are moving in the right way.
“We have had setbacks in the second season but you see the team coming, the squad developing, work hard on the training pitch, work hard during games.”
