...By Lola Smith for TDPel Media.
Manchester, England – Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag has expressed confidence in Marcus Rashford’s fitness, indicating that the forward is likely to make a comeback for the crucial match against Chelsea at Old Trafford on Thursday evening.
Rashford had been sidelined for two games, missing the recent 1-0 victory against Bournemouth due to illness and the 2-0 home win over Wolves the previous week due to injury.
The England international was seen training with his teammates on Tuesday, and if he successfully completes Wednesday’s training session, he will have the opportunity to add to his 33 Premier League appearances this season.
Rashford, who has previously scored five goals against Chelsea, is just one goal away from reaching the milestone of 30 goals in a single campaign, a feat achieved by Robin van Persie in the 2012/13 season.
Ten Hag stated in his pre-match press conference, “It looks like [he will be available], but yesterday he returns in training and he looks quite fit.
But we have to see today what the outcome is from the training – how did he recover – and then we will make our choices.”
With Rashford’s potential return and Scott McTominay’s late appearance in the previous game, United will have a strong squad to choose from as they aim to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
United only need one point from their final two fixtures against Chelsea and Fulham to secure a top-four finish, and two wins would guarantee a third-place finish following Newcastle United’s goalless draw with Leicester City on Monday night.
The team’s only absentees remain long-term injuries, with Lisandro Martinez, Marcel Sabitzer, and Donny van de Beek ruled out for the season.
