Why Rasmus Hojlund isn’t playing for Manchester United this weekend: Striker ‘progressing’ but ruled out of Southampton trip
Rasmus Hojlund is closing in on a return for Manchester United, but the trip to Southampton this weekend will be too soon.
The Danish striker is yet to play a single minute during his second season at Old Trafford after sustaining a hamstring issue in July.
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Hojlund only featured in one pre-season game for Man UnitedCredit: GettyHojlund has been forced to watch United’s stuttering start to the new season after limping out of a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in pre-season.
In his absence, Erik ten Hag’s side have managed to score just two Premier League goals from their three games, winning just once.
It continues his frustrating stop-start journey in England, with Hojlund also made to wait during the opening weeks of last campaign after arriving with a back injury from Atalanta.
Read more on Man UnitedThe 21-year-old then picked up a hamstring strain and other muscle-related issues that hampered his progress at the club.
Man United fans had been told that the forward’s latest fitness problem would subside following the international break.
However, he’s not yet available.
Why is Hojlund not playing against Southampton?The Denmark international was thought to have a chance to make his comeback against the Saints, live on talkSPORT, but Ten Hag has confirmed that won’t be happening.
Hojlund was ruled out of action for six weeks following his injury during the Red Devils’ 2-1 pre-season defeat to Arsenal in late July.
United opened the scoring through Hojlund’s well-taken goal before he was withdrawn moments later with a hamstring issue.
He missed the 1-0 opening night victory over Fulham, as well as the successive defeats against Brighton and Liverpool before the break.
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Hojlund endured a pretty miserable Euro 2024 with Denmark, failing to scoreCredit: Getty
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Hojlund had a decent start to life in the Premier League, but he’ll be expected to kick on nowUnited are said to be taking a cautious approach to Hojlund’s rehabilitation due to his lack of minutes building fitness this summer.
The club have plans to ease their £72million man back gently even if it means a longer spell on the sidelines to avoid further injuries, which would explain why his manager has ruled him out.
Speaking to the press about Hojlund, he said: “Rasmus Højlund and Luke Shaw are progressing very well but won’t be available to face Southampton on Saturday”.
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Hojlund has completed individual sessions at Carrington but has yet to rejoin team training.
Read More on talkSPORTIn his place, Joshua Zirkzee is likely to fill in, with Bruno Fernandes operating as a false No.9 either side of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho another potential option.
Hojlund will instead sit on the sidelines and hope his teammates can turn around their poor start to the season.
