Rasmus Hojlund WILL NOT play against Nottingham Forest as Erik ten Hag reveals the absent Manchester United striker is still not ready for his debut
- Rasmus Hojlund is still eased in training at Manchester United
- Erik ten Hag revealed that the Danish striker will not make an appearance against Nottingham Forest
- WATCH: It all comes up – Mail Sport’s preview show for the weekend’s football
Erik ten Hag has abandoned hope that Manchester United supporters will finally be able to see Rasmus Hojlund make his debut this weekend, after admitting the striker is not yet ready.
Hojlund is battling a back injury that came from Atalanta and United have nursed his £72 million star back to full health since he was unveiled at Old Trafford.
United are desperate to see the promising goalscorer fit after finding the back of the net just once in their opening two games in the Premier League and reeling from defeat to Tottenham last time.
There were hopes that the 20-year-old could at least be fit for a cameo appearance when United play Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but Ten Hag dismissed those suggestions at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“Not before tomorrow (Saturday),” Ten Hag said about Hojlund when asked if the Danish international would perform.
Rasmus Hojlund will not play for Manchester United against Nottingham Forest on Saturday
United boss Erik ten Hag (pictured) revealed that Hojlund is still not ready to play for United
“Today he came to team practice for the first time, so next week I expect him to do a full week. He’s almost ready for selection.’
Hojlund’s continued absence means that Ten Hag will likely try to reinsert Marcus Rashford, as he has done at the start of United’s new season.
However, the England star recently appeared uneasy playing down the middle against Spurs and prefers to be deployed in his favored position on the left wing.
Hojlund has been battling a back injury since joining United in a £72 million contract from Atalanta
Ten Hag’s update provides an update on United’s refusal to rush into their summer squad in a bid to bolster their rocky start to the season.
Instead, United are opting to ensure they have fully recovered from a stress reaction hot spot, a common problem among young players breaking into senior football.
The injury usually occurs when there is a sudden increase in the intensity and workload of an immature skeleton.
Barring another injury, Hojlund should be fit to make his Emirates debut against Arsenal on Sunday, September 3.
(TagsToTranslate)dailymail