Edinson Cavani injury: Manchester United striker doubtful for trip to Sheffield United

Cavani has not played since coming off during 3-1 comeback win at West Ham

Mark Critchley
Northern Football Correspondent
Wednesday 16 December 2020 14:22 GMT
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Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani
Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani (Manchester United via Getty Images)

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Edinson Cavani is on the road to recovery from a muscle injury but remains a doubt for Manchester United's trip to Sheffield United on Thursday night.

Cavani has not played since coming off at half time with the problem during United's 3-1 comeback victory at West Ham on 5 December.

The 33-year-old has returned to training but manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reluctant to rush Cavani back at the start of the gruelling Christmas fixture schedule.

"We have to be mindful of little strains and niggles and decisions have to be made," Solskjaer said.  

"From kick-off of Sheffield United to kick of Aston Villa [on New Year's Day] it's 15 times 24 hours, so it's going to be very tight. 

Read more: Why Manchester United aren’t scoring at Old Trafford

"Edinson has done well in rehab, but we still have to make the decision if we should risk him because it is little too early. I'd doubt himt to be available to pick tomorrow."

Marcos Rojo is the other injury doubt, though the Argentina international has not made an appearance in more than a year amid a string of injury setbacks.

Phil Jones - another long-term absentee - and fourth-choice goalkeeper Sergio Romero were left out of United’s 25-man Premier League squad and face uncertain futures ahead of next month’s January transfer window.

“Marcos has just felt a niggle in his calf again,” Solskjaer said. "He's worked really hard to come back. 

"He played a game with the reserves, got a knock there, worked really hard again and felt something, so hopefully he's back in January, Marcos. Phil should be ready by January and Sergio has been training hard as well."

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