Marcus Rashford has vowed to come back before the end of the season after the Manchester United star sustained a double stress fracture to his back.
The England striker will miss at least six weeks after furthering the damage against Wolves in the FA Cup.
His absence is particularly costly at a time when United are attempting to bridge a nine-point gap to Chelsea in fourth in their bid to recapture Champions League football.
“Thanks guys, I’ll be back before the season ends to hopefully help my team claim top 4,” Rashford remarked after the official Premier League account wished him a speedy recovery.
The loss of Rashford, likely until at least the end of March, could prompt United to move in the market for a new striker.
“It’s just an unfortunate situation we’re in,” Solskjaer said.
“It might be, because the window is open, we might look at some short-term deals as well and that could take us through until the summer.”
Solskjaer received criticism for his handling of Rashford, including Ian Wright, who pinned the blame on the Norwegian.
But the United boss maintains he always puts the team and the club first when making decisions.
“I never put myself before the team,” he said. “I put the team and the club before anything else,” Solskjaer said.
“Yes, he had minor discomfort but he had scans. We monitored him. We have to manage players every single day. There are loads of things Ian Wright, or anyone else, doesn’t know about.”
