Manchester United vs Reading: Paul Pogba injury doubt for FA Cup clash after Jonjo Shelvey challenge

Pogba found himself on the end of a forceful, studs-up challenge from Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey on Wednesday

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Friday 04 January 2019 09:15 GMT
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's career in numbers

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Paul Pogba is a doubt for Manchester United’s FA Cup third round tie with Reading following Jonjo Shelvey's challenge in the victory over Newcastle United.

Pogba found himself on the end of a forceful, studs-up challenge from Shelvey during the second half of United’s 2-0 win at St James’ Park on Wednesday.

Referee Andre Marriner awarded United a free-kick but did not show Shelvey a card for the foul. As the incident was spotted by the official, the 26-year-old will face no further punishment.

Pogba was seen limping on his way to the United team bus after the game on Wednesday night and later posted a picture of his confrontation with Shelvey to social media.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed on Friday that the midfielder was likely to miss Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Reading at Old Trafford as a result of the challenge.

“I’m not sure if Paul’s gonna be ready. He got a knock against Newcastle,” the United caretaker manager said.

Solskjaer also confirmed that Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez would start on Saturday. The pair are yet to play from the off since the Norwegian’s appointment.

“Definitely, there’ll be a few changes and they’ll get a chance some of them are itching now to play of course. Get Lukaku and Sanchez a start, that’s important for them because they need more game time.”

Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling remain injured, leaving Phil Jones and Victor Lindelof as Solskajer's only fit and recognised centre-halves.

Marouane Fellaini's availability will be subject to whether he emerges through Friday's training session unscathed after recovering from a knock.

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