United's Rashford returns to full training after shoulder operation

The shoulder injury had cut short his game time, with the 23-year-old playing only a limited role with England during its run to the Euro 2020 final in July, where it lost to champion Italy.

Published : Oct 02, 2021 08:33 IST

File Photo: Marcus Rashford has returned to full training after a recent shoulder operation and should be available after the international break
File Photo: Marcus Rashford has returned to full training after a recent shoulder operation and should be available after the international break
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File Photo: Marcus Rashford has returned to full training after a recent shoulder operation and should be available after the international break

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford returned to full training after a recent shoulder operation and should be available after the international break, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said.

Rashford said in August he had undergone surgery on a shoulder injury, which he picked up during the latter part of the 2020-21 season.

The injury cut short his game time, with the 23-year-old playing only a limited role with England during its run to the Euro 2020 final in July, where it lost to champion Italy.

"Marcus trained fully for the first time today (Friday) with contact," Solskjaer said ahead of Saturday's Premier League home game with Everton.

READ: Solskjaer slams lack of 'common sense' in fixtures

"There were a few tackles flying in on him and he seemed okay, which was nice to see. Marcus is fit, he's worked really hard, but he's not had any contact (until now).

"If his shoulder can take the contact now, he should be ready after the internationals."

The international break begins on Monday, with United returning to action in the league on October 16 against Leicester City.

Defender Luke Shaw, who suffered a shoulder injury in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa, will undergo a late fitness test for Saturday's game. He also missed Wednesday's 2-1 Champions League win over Villarreal due to illness.

"Luke feels better in himself. He's been ill but he's still got the shoulder injury," Solskjaer said. "We've got to make a decision on him."

SOLSKJAER DEFENDS SANCHO AFTER SOUTHGATE'S REMARKS

Solskjaer dismissed England coach Gareth Southgate's questions over Jadon Sancho's form and said the winger will soon be a "top player".

Southgate had named Sancho in his squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers but said that the 21-year-old's selection was "probably not" deserved if based on his performances over the last few weeks.

Solskjaer defended Sancho by praising his display in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Villarreal in the Champions League group stage. He said, "Was that interview (with Southgate) done before Wednesday night?"

"Jadon was exceptional, he was electric, the crowd loved him.

READ: Southgate keeps faith in Sancho despite poor domestic form

"I think he felt that connection with the crowd, and that is what we want from him, to be direct, positive, go past players numerous times."

Sancho is yet to score for United, having started only two of his five Premier League games and featured three times in Cup competitions.

"Yeah he's not scored yet but that night I thought, 'Yeah that's Jadon' and we're going to see loads of that," Solskjaer added.

"And Gareth has also said it's important Jadon knows they believe in him. They have invested time in him. He will be a top player. Performances are going to come."

United is fourth in the league standings on 13 points on goal difference, one point behind leader Liverpool.

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