Ralf Rangnick claims Jadon Sancho could miss the rest of the season & gives Edinson Cavani update

The Manchester United interim manager provided the latest on five players ahead of Monday’s clash with Brentford.
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Ralf Rangnick has claimed Jadon Sancho could miss the rest of the season due to a severe case of tonsillitis.

The winger sat out Manchester United’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Thursday night and Rangnick has since confirmed he will definitely be unavailable for Monday’s clash with Brentford due to the illness, and next weekend’s trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.

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Rangnick revealed Sancho’s tonsils are inflamed, and may have to be removed at some stage, a date which Rangnick hopes will be after the season culminates.

Sancho trained on Tuesday, but has since been struck down by illness. Credit: Getty.Sancho trained on Tuesday, but has since been struck down by illness. Credit: Getty.
Sancho trained on Tuesday, but has since been struck down by illness. Credit: Getty.

“As it seems, Jadon might be out for the rest of the season with his tonsillitis. He will most likely not be available against Brentford,” the 63-year-old explained on Thursday night, after the draw with Chelsea.

“Well, since the last game is another three weeks until Crystal Palace… but for the next two games, I think it is unlikely [Sancho will play],” the interim manager added.

Asked if he may have his tonsils removed, Rangnick responded: “It could happen. Definitely he has an inflammation on his tonsils and has some high temperatures.

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“That is why he was not available tonight and he will most certainly not be available for the next two games. Hopefully they can get hold of that inflammation and then if the tonsils have to be removed this can happen at the end of the season.”

Cavani in line for return

Rangnick also gave an update on United’s other absentees, and said he is hopeful of Edinson Cavani making a return to the squad on Monday.

Cavani picked up a calf injury at the end of March. Credit: Getty.Cavani picked up a calf injury at the end of March. Credit: Getty.
Cavani picked up a calf injury at the end of March. Credit: Getty.

The striker last played for United on 15 March, but has been missing for the past month due to a calf injury he sustained on international duty.

Meanwhile, Rangnick is also hopeful Fred, Harry Maguire and Jesse Lingard could be involved for the visit of the Bees.

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“I hope so, but right now I don’t know,” he told reporters on Thursday night. “I hope Fred will make it for the Brentford game, tonight was too early for him.

Fred and Harry Maguire could return for Manchester United on Monday. Credit: Getty.Fred and Harry Maguire could return for Manchester United on Monday. Credit: Getty.
Fred and Harry Maguire could return for Manchester United on Monday. Credit: Getty.

“Edinson Cavani is supposed to come back to training tomorrow, but then again, the question is, he has been missing for the last four or five weeks, is he really a player who could play against Brentford. Probably not, but at least from the bench [he could be involved].

“Apart from that, we have to wait and see [with] Harry Maguire. Jesse Lingard was missing for personal reasons today. I hope some of those players will be back on Monday.”

A chance to say farewell?

The meeting with Brentford may also represent the last home game in a United shirt for several first-team players.

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Nemanja Matic has already confirmed he’s leaving in the summer, while Juan Mata, Lingard and Cavani are expected to depart with their contracts set to expire at the end of the season, as well as Paul Pogba, although he will definitely miss out due to injury.

Rangnick was asked if he’ll give those departing players some game time in order to say farewell to the home supporters, although the German said he is primarily focused on getting a positive result in the final home game of the season.

“I would like to, but it’s about getting the best possible result,” he said. “It’s not about making any gifts to players.

“Juan Mata played in the last 15 minutes [against Chelsea]. Nema played almost the whole game. So it’s not about saying farewell to the supporters. If it’s possible, I will do that.”