Man Utd suffer major injury blow ahead of Fulham clash

Manchester United will be without Rasmus Hojlund when they host Fulham on Saturday, following confirmation the striker has suffered a small muscular injury.

Fulham head to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon looking to bounce back from last weekend's disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa. They face a side in fine fettle, with United winning their last five games in all competitions and scoring 15 goals in the process.

Six of those goals have come from Hojlund and after a stuttering start to life at United, the 20-year-old has enjoyed a period of excellent form. But he will not be able to continue that run against Fulham with confirmation coming on Friday afternoon that he has suffered a muscle injury.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the game, United manager Erik ten Hag said: "It's a small injury, two to three weeks, that's what happened. That is the risk of playing high intensity, training; it's not a big injury, but he has to wait now for two-three weeks."

United will now be without a natural striker for the visit of Fulham, with Anthony Martial out until April after undergoing surgery on a groin issue. Marcus Rashford will likely lead the line for the Reds but academy prospect Omari Forson could also feature.

Ten Hag will also be without a natural left-back, having seen Luke Shaw pick up another injury that will keep him out for much of the season. Diogo Dalot has been moved across to that side in the past but is also currently the only fit right-back. Centre-back Lisandro Martinez is also unavailable.

Marco Silva's pre-game press conference was far more positive, with the Fulham boss confirming he will have Armando Broja available following illness while Willian 'has a chance' of featuring after coming off at half-time last weekend. Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi are fit to start again, having come off the bench against Villa after featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations final. Joao Palhinha picked up his 10th yellow card against Villa and is suspended.