Manchester United's striking sensation, Rasmus Hojlund, is set to be sidelined for up to three weeks due to a muscle injury, casting a shadow over United's upcoming fixtures.
The £72m summer acquisition, who has been on a scorching goal-scoring streak in the Premier League, will be notably absent for crucial matches, including the home game against Fulham and the FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest.
The 21-year-old Danish forward's absence comes at a critical juncture for Erik ten Hag's squad, which faces a demanding schedule including a derby against Manchester City and a matchup with Everton.
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Injury Woes Deepen for United
Hojlund's injury exacerbates Manchester United's growing list of casualties. "It is a small injury, two or three weeks. It is a risk in high intensity training," Ten Hag revealed, as reported by BBC, emphasizing the need for caution.
Despite the setback being minor, Hojlund's absence is a significant blow to United's attacking options, especially with Anthony Martial also out of action due to groin surgery.
United's injury list further includes key players like Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, and Tyrell Malacia, putting additional pressure on the squad's depth.
Ten Hag's Tactical Challenge
With Hojlund's meteoric rise to form—netting seven goals and adding two assists in his last six appearances after a slow start—United now faces the challenge of maintaining their offensive momentum without their leading scorer.
Scott McTominay, surprisingly the club's second-highest scorer this season, may need to step up further. Despite these setbacks, Ten Hag remains optimistic about his squad's resilience.
"Of course [the injuries are] an issue but other clubs have this and we have to deal with this," he stated, confident in the squad's improved ability to navigate through injury crises compared to earlier in the season.
Hojlund's absence tests United's squad depth and adaptability as they aim to continue their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League.