Manchester United’s striker Rasmus Hojlund will not be able to play in the upcoming Manchester derby because he is injured and will be out for about three weeks.
The Denmark international has been playing exceptionally well recently, scoring seven goals in six Premier League games since Boxing Day.
“Rasmus Hojlund will miss Manchester United’s Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday due to a muscle injury,” said a club statement.
“It is expected to keep him out for two to three weeks.”
Erik ten Hag will not have his top striker available for the upcoming matches against Fulham, Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup fifth round on Wednesday, and a tough game against title contenders City on Sunday, March 3.
Depending on his recovery time, he may also miss league games against Everton and Sheffield United.
Marcus Rashford, who usually plays on the left side, may need to step in as a center-forward while Hojlund is out injured. This is especially challenging as United’s other striker, Anthony Martial, is also injured.
Hojlund’s injury is a setback for him, as he recently broke a long goal drought in the Premier League after joining Old Trafford from Atalanta last summer.
It took him until a 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Boxing Day to score his first league goal for the club. Since then, he has consistently scored in every Premier League match and has also provided two assists.
Hojlund has scored a total of 13 goals in 30 games this season in all competitions.
United is hoping to improve their position in the Premier League and qualify for the UEFA Champions League, so they need their top scorer.
Ten Hag’s team is currently in sixth place, trailing Villa by five points in fourth place. City is in second place with a 12-point lead as the next Manchester derby approaches.
The first derby ended in a 3-0 victory for Guardiola’s team at Old Trafford in October.
