‘I have hope’ - Erik ten Hag gives injury update on Man Utd attackers ahead of Newcastle clash

Erik ten Hag has said he is hopeful that Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial will be fit to face Newcastle United this weekend.

The Manchester United forwards have been doubts in the build-up to the game, with Rashford forced to pull out of the recent England squad with a knock. Meanwhile, Martial has been suffering with a hip injury in recent months and has played just one game since mid-January.

But speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park, Ten Hag was optimistic about the chances of both forwards being available. "I have good hope," the Dutchman told the club’s website, when asked about Rashford’s fitness.

"He trained but he had to do some treatment, he had to do some individual training and today he joined in the group. I think we have one more day so I have good hope he’s available. I think so."

Meanwhile, asked about Martial in his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag replied: “He is training. So, for two weeks now. I think he can be in the squad for Sunday.”

The duo’s return is well timed, with Alejandro Garnacho recently picking up an ankle injury which will rule him out for at least a few weeks. Casemiro is also unavailable through suspension and Christian Eriksen isn’t ready yet following a long-term ankle injury.

However, Marcel Sabitzer is expected to be available for the game. The on-loan Bayern Munich man picked up a knee injury over the international break but returned to training during the week and is therefore likely to be involved at St James’ Park, especially given Ten Hag’s lack of midfield options.

Raphael Varane is the only remaining fitness concern for Sunday’s match. The defender missed the FA Cup win over Fulham two weeks ago and hasn’t been seen in training this week.