Marcus Rashford injury: Will Manchester United star be fit to face Newcastle? - (2021)

Categories: Football | Published by: AC

01/01/2019

Updated: 31/07/2021

Marcus Rashford enjoyed a barnstorming performance against Bournemouth on Sunday evening, providing a fantastic assist for Paul Pogba to open the scoring, before prodding home a close-range finish himself in Manchester United's 4-1 win.

Replaced by Romelu Lukaku in the 70th minute at Old Trafford, the England international headed straight down the tunnel.

Despite not going down with a serious injury problem, his actions tell the tale of a player concerned about recovering in time for Wednesday's Premier League clash against Newcastle.

What happened?

Rashford gets beyond Nathan Ake at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

Rashford did not appear to pull up and make the decision to be immediately unable to continue, which would paint the picture of a minor strain.

That makes the 21-year-old forward a slight doubt for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's trip to St James' Park midweek. Given that Lukaku returned from compassionate leave with a goal, there is no need to risk Rashford from the very start.

Anthony Martial, too, has been enjoying himself as a fluid option in a front three, with the Frenchman also having led the line under Solskjaer for a short spell in the second half of United's 5-1 victory over Cardiff City.

How long might Rashford be out for?

Romelu Lukaku could deputise up front for Rashford on Wednesday evening (Getty Images)

Rashford will be assessed in the build-up to the Newcastle game, with Solskjaer expected to shed further light on the Englishman's availability during his pre-match press conference on New Year's Day.

For a more high-stakes affair, the youngster could be risked and look to play through the pain, but given that the away side have got other options in attack, Rashford may instead be named on the bench or given a precautionary rest from the action.

Given that Rashford was able to play on and leave the pitch under his own steam, a long-term absence is unlikely, but he may be left on the sidelines for a game or two. Aggravating the problem further would only lead to additional problems, putting Lukaku in pole position to start in the north-east.