Romelu Lukaku: When will Manchester United star return?

Categories: Football | Published by: AC

25/12/2018

Updated: 02/02/2023

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been dealt a squad selection headache just days after assuming his position as caretaker manager.

First-choice striker Romelu Lukaku has been given a leave of absence on compassionate grounds which will see him miss Solskjaer's first few games in charge, according to reports.

It's not just the Norwegian who will be missing the forward; Lukaku is owned by 4.5 per cent of Fantasy Premier League players who will be weighing up whether to sell the striker or wait patiently for his return.

What has Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said?

At his opening press conference as Manchester United manager, Solskjaer revealed Lukaku's absence: “Lukaku has had a couple of days off, I’ve not seen him yet and I’ve not seen Alexis [Sanchez] because he’s on his way back as well.

Read more: Cardiff vs Manchester United: Kick-off time, how to watch on TV and online, team news, expected line-ups and odds

“I’m looking forward to seeing them.”

The Daily Mail, meanwhile, report that the forward likely won't be available for Solskjaer to select until the Red Devils' fixture against Bournemouth in Gameweek 20.

Should I transfer him out of my FPL team?

Yes.

If reports are to be believed the striker won't be back in contention for at least a couple of Gameweeks.

Given Lukaku's steep price it's worth signing an alternative striker until his immediate future becomes more clear.

Potential replacements

Rashford could benefit from Lukaku's absence (Photo: Getty)

Looking to sign a replacement for Lukaku? Sign one of these point scorers.

Marcus Rashford (£6.9m) has been transferred into squads more than any other Man United player in Gameweek 19. And the Englishman could well be set to play a key role under Solskjaer's temporary reign, especially while Lukaku is out of the picture.

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.6m) grabbed his sixth assist of the season against Southampton, taking him to a total of 76 FPL points for the season. Consider swapping him in for Arsenal's matches against Burnley and Brighton.

Gabriel Jesus (£10.1m) scored a wonderful brace against Everton, providing strong competition to a recovering Sergio Aguero. The Brazilian will likely start ahead of Aguero who played 76 minutes against Leicester in midweek.

i verdict

Sadly for United fans and FPL managers alike it looks likely that Lukaku will miss the next couple of Gameweeks.

FPL managers with the forward in their squad should look to sign Marcus Rashford as temporary cover.

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