Marcus Rashford could be fit for the derby against Manchester City at the beginning of next month, according to reports.
Rashford has missed the last two games after picking up a muscle injury in the 3-1 win over Arsenal two weeks ago, but ESPN are now reporting that the Red Devils are hopeful of having the 24-year-old available for the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side on October 2.
It’s been a strong start to life under Erik ten Hag for Rashford who had scored three goals across his last four appearances prior to his injury. He may well have been in Gareth Southgate's England squad for up-and-coming Nations League games against Italy and Germany but for the injury, however, he could still land a place on the plane to Qatar in November should he pick up from where he left off on his return.
Club medical staff are said to believe the injury is not serious and the forward could rejoin training with the rest of the United first-team squad as early as next week.
While news around Rashford is positive, United officials are being more cautious with Anthony Martial who has been out of action since August as a result of an achilles injury. The 26-year-old, who returned to the club in the summer following a loan move to Sevilla in the second half of last season, has only featured once under Erik ten Hag where he provided an assist in a 2-1 win over Liverpool.
He recovered from a hamstring problem earlier in the season, however, it has been claimed that achilles injuries can become problematic if not allowed to rest, which was a point affirmed last week by injury expert Dinnery who regularly contributes to Sky Sports.
“It does affect flexibility and strength. It’s a very painful condition. With the type of player he (Martial) is, with explosive, quick movements, you understand the potential ramifications of having decreased flexibility over the first five to 10 yards.
“Hopefully, a reduction in load will help facilitate a quicker return to play, but that isn’t always the case, You are beholden to the tendon. The international break gives us a two-week period to hopefully see him come back after that. If it stretches beyond that, it can be a bit of a concern.”
United will be keen to have him fit and available again after the international break where Ten Hag will hope his side can continue their strong run of form. The Red Devils have won five of their last six matches but have not featured since the 2-0 win over Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday after their Premier League fixture with Leeds United at Old Trafford was postponed ahead of the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
