Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag has stated that Anthony Martial is ready to start for the Red Devils in the wake of Marcus Rashford’s absence from the team.
The 25-year-old was substituted in the 81st minute against Everton at the weekend after feeling discomfort in his groin. It has now been confirmed that he will miss a few games including Thursday’s UEFA Europa League first-leg quarter-final clash with Sevilla.
Rashford’s absence is seen as a setback as he is the team’s top scorer with 28 goals in all competitions, including 20 strikes since the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup but Ten Hag revealed the United academy graduate is already stepping up his recovery.
“Of course, it is a setback and he is disappointed about it but he is not totally broken because he knows he will return quickly,” Ten Hag said on the club website.
“He is optimistic and he has started straight on his recovery and his rehab. That helps him to get back soon.”
Welcome back ???????? pic.twitter.com/nQMcL7JRPD
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) April 8, 2023
Martial came off the bench to score United’s second goal in a 2-0 win over the Toffees. It was his third consecutive appearance since coming back from a hip injury that kept him out since January. He also had hip and back injuries that made him miss the bulk of the first of the season.
“I think he [Martial] is ready to start a game, yeah,” Ten Hag continued.
“I think already against Everton he was ready to start the game. But I have to say that the front line against Brentford and Everton worked really well. We were continually a threat and it was difficult for the opponent to defend.
“The advantage was also that we could bring Anthony Martial slowly back into the team, give him some minutes and get him used to games at the highest level, and highest intensity.”
Luke Shaw and Aleandro Garnacho will also be unavailable for the Sevilla game as they continue to recover from muscle and knee injuries respectively.
United will however be boosted by the availability of Casemiro, who is back from a four-game domestic suspension and Christian Eriksen, from an ankle injury.
