Ralf Rangnick rules Edinson Cavani out of Manchester United’s Champions League fixture with Atletico Madrid

The striker will not play for the Red Devils in Spain.
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Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Edinson Cavani will not be involved in Manchester United’s Champions League fixture against Atletico Madrid.

The Red Devils travel to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for Wednesday’s last-16 clash knowing they face one of the most experienced sides in the competition over recent years, having made it to the knockout stages in eight of the last nine years and progressed to two finals in the last decade.

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Therefore, Untied will require cool heads in the electric atmosphere of Madrid, and Cavani’s continued absence is a big blow for three-time European champions.

The striker has missed the last three games through injury, and Rangnick confirmed in Tuesday’s press conference that tally will increase this week.

Cavani last played for United on 8 February at Burnley. Credit: Getty.Cavani last played for United on 8 February at Burnley. Credit: Getty.
Cavani last played for United on 8 February at Burnley. Credit: Getty.

“No, Edi will not be able to make the trip. He did not train and he has not been training for a couple of weeks,” the German told reporters.

“He has problems with his groin and while he cannot fully sprint it does not makes sense to force him back into training.”

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That means United will only have one real option up front in Madrid, with Cristiano Ronaldo likely to start against his old foes.

But Cavani’s continued absence does present a problem for the Red Devils in the striker position, especially given Anthony Martial left the club on loan in January.

It means the burden is falling almost solely on 37-year-old Ronaldo’s shoulders, although Marcus Rashford could play through the middle if required.

It’s been a season of disappointment for Cavani, that has only been compounded by an injury which initially was only seen a short-term problem. The Uruguayan has scored two goals in 15 appearances for the club this season and is expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer.