Edinson Cavani: Ralf Rangnick unsure if Manchester United striker will be fit for Brighton game

Ralf Rangnick has admitted he’s unsure whether striker Edinson Cavani will be fit for Manchester United’s Premier League game against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday.

The Uruguayan missed the 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday due to a groin issue, which forced him to pull out the morning of the game.

In his place, United started with Cristiano Ronaldo up front, the Portuguese star couldn’t inspire the Red Devils to victory.

Cavani and Ronaldo are Rangnick’s only real options to play as a central striker and ahead of the Brighton clash, the German was asked whether the former Napoli man will have returned in time to face Brighton.

“I don’t know, to be honest,” he responded during the post-match press conference on Saturday. “I thought until yesterday after training that he would be available for today’s game, but after training the doctor came to see me and I spoke to Edi.

“I told him to wait until this morning to see if treatment could make it any better. But then I spoke to him at breakfast and he said the pain was too big, that he cannot play.”

It’s been a frustrating season for Cavani, who has had his game-time limited since Ronaldo’s arrival, but he’s also struggled with injuries throughout the campaign. As a result, the 34-year-old has started just seven games in all competitions this season.

Cavani has also failed to be as productive in front of goal and has found the back of the net on just two occasions from his 15 appearances.

Meanwhile, Rangnick also confirmed in Friday’s pre-match press conference that United will look for a new striker in the summer, with Cavani’s current contract set to expire at the end of the season.