Manchester United star Rasmus Hojlund faces delay to injury return

Rasmus Hojlund may not play as planned this weekend against Southampton because Manchester United does not want to hasten his recovery.

The 21-year-old had a hamstring injury during a preseason friendly against Arsenal in July, and he hasn’t played yet this season.

The Denmark international was anticipated to return during the current international break and be ready for a trip to Southampton on Saturday, but the injury was severe enough to keep him out of the game at the beginning of the campaign.

ESPN, however, reports that Manchester United may decide not to take any chances in case the issue recurs, therefore his comeback may now be postponed.

Hojlund will be assessed ahead of the weekend and could still be involved, but the club will be taking a cautious approach and will be happy to leave him out and ease him back into action slowly.

After the trip to St Mary’s, Manchester United host Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday 17 September before travelling to Crystal Palace in the Premier League the following weekend.

If Hojlund does not return this weekend, he will hope to be reintroduced to the first team in those fixtures.

Manchester United were blighted with injury problems last season and Erik ten Hag continues to be handed fitness headaches at the start of this campaign.

Luke Shaw is yet to play this season, as is summer signing Leny Yoro, while Tyrell Malacia remains on the long-term injured list.

Mason Mount has featured but is now sidelined and is unlikely to return until October due to a hamstring problem.

While Manchester United are not rushing Hojlund back, Ten Hag will be delighted when the striker is available again after a slow start to the season in front of goal.

The Red Devils struggled up front last season, scoring just 57 Premier League goals and have netted just twice in their opening three games.

Hojlund scored 10 league goals last campaign and 16 in all competitions, so is likely to be a big part of their goal threat again this time around.

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