Rangnick gives Man Utd injury updates on Ronaldo, Cavani & McTominay ahead of Tottenham clash

The Manchester United interim manager has more options up front, than he did for last week’s derby defeat.
Ronaldo and Cavani could return to the Manchester United team to face Tottenham. Credit: Getty.Ronaldo and Cavani could return to the Manchester United team to face Tottenham. Credit: Getty.
Ronaldo and Cavani could return to the Manchester United team to face Tottenham. Credit: Getty.

Ralf Rangnick confirmed two of his Manchester United players could return from injury in time for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur, however, it looks likely that two other first-team stars will miss out.

The interim manager was speaking in Friday’s pre-match press conference when he revealed that Cristano Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani should both be available to face Spurs after recent injuries.

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Ronaldo missed last weekend’s Manchester derby with a hip problem, but Rangnick confirmed he has since returned to full training and is an option to start against Antonio Conte’s side.

Ronaldo and Cavani both scored the last time United played Tottenham. Credit: Getty.Ronaldo and Cavani both scored the last time United played Tottenham. Credit: Getty.
Ronaldo and Cavani both scored the last time United played Tottenham. Credit: Getty.

Meanwhile, Cavani could also be in line to play for the first time since 8 February. The Uruguayan has been out with a groin issue, and after just missing out on selection against Manchester City, may be involved when Spurs travel to Old Trafford.

Speaking about the pair in Friday’s press conference, Rangnick said: “He [Ronaldo] resumed training yesterday. He trained for the whole session and I expect him to be in training today as well.

McTominay and Shaw aren’t expected to play against Spurs. Credit: Getty.McTominay and Shaw aren’t expected to play against Spurs. Credit: Getty.
McTominay and Shaw aren’t expected to play against Spurs. Credit: Getty.

“He trained well, like the rest of the group, so I would have thought that he’s available for tomorrow. What’s important is that he and Edi are both back in training and are both available for the game.”

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But there’s less positive news when it comes to Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay, both of whom look likely to miss out against Spurs.

The latter has picked up a calf injury, while Shaw is still testing positive for Covid-19, meaning he will not be able to play. The full-back missed Sunday’s derby for the same reason, although Raphael Varane, who was also absent due to Covid, has recovered and is in line to play against Tottenham.

“We will still miss out on Luke Shaw. He, until yesterday, was still testing positive with Covid,” said Rangnick.

“Scotty is a question mark, he had some issues with his calf so we will have to wait and see until today after training.

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“But right now it is more likely he will not be available, because if we risk him tomorrow he will more likely be out for the game on Tuesday [against Atletico Madrid]. That’s why I tend to, with muscular issues, even more so if it’s a calf muscle, I tend to be more careful.”

Tottenham update

Conte held his pre-match press conference a day earlier than Rangnick, and provided an update on three players ahead of the trip to Old Trafford.

Ryan Sessegnon is missing for Tottenham. Credit: Getty.Ryan Sessegnon is missing for Tottenham. Credit: Getty.
Ryan Sessegnon is missing for Tottenham. Credit: Getty.

The Italian confirmed Ryan Sessegnon, Oliver Skipp and Japhet Tanganga are not going to be fit for the encounter,

“Bad news about Ryan Sessegnon. He had a scan and a muscular problem,” Conte told reporters. “Maybe we’ll see him after the international break. About Skipp and Tanganga, they are not ready. We have to wait.”

Tottenham can leapfrog United in the table with a win on Saturday, and the North-London club have played two fewer matches in the league so far this season.