Rasmus Hojlund could return to action for Manchester United on Wednesday night, for the group stage fixture at Galatasaray, and potentially add to his impressive UEFA Champions League goal tally. While he’s finding the back of the next with regularity in continental competition, the Danish striker is still search of his first Premier League goal.
But first things first, he needs to be match fit again, as another European tussle approaches.
Manchester United at Galatasaray FYIs
Kickoff: Wed. Nov. 29, 5:45 pm, RAMS Park
Competition: UEFA Champions League Group A Matchday 5/6
United Preview Content: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Fun Fact: none, if you’re a Manchester United fan who cares about them reaching the UCL knockout round.
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Google Result Probability: Galatasaray 36% Draw 26% Manchester United 38%
Group Standings, Form: Galatasaray 3rd, 4 pts, LLWD Manchester United 4th, 3 pts, LWLL
Man United Team News
The last time manager Erik ten Hag spoke about the Hojlund hamstring, he said the following: “Not too bad. [Playing against] Everton will be a close finish, but we’re working on that. We’re not sure if he can make that but, hopefully, in the next week he will return to the squad.”
So he’ll have a chance of being in the squad here, but his national teammate, midfielder Christian Eriksen, certainly will not as he’s out with a knee injury until the New Year. The same could be said of another United midfielder, Casemiro, who is battling a hamstring injury. Antony, who may not be a big part of the plan anymore, given his problems both on and off the pitch, missed the 3-0 win at Everton due to an unspecified knock. But he’s expected to be passed fit here.
Mason Mount also missed out, but the reason why was not disclosed. Given that we know next to nothing about the nature and severity of his injury, it’s next to impossible to determine his timeline for return.
Finally, Lisandro Martinez (foot), Tyrell Malacia and Amad Diallo (both knee) remain out as longer-term injury absentees.
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
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