Solskjaer & Benitez give fitness updates & team news ahead of Man Utd v Everton

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is unsure whether Luke Shaw will be fit to face Everton on Saturday, and says a ‘decision’ will be made ahead of the Premier League encounter.

The left-back was replaced with a shoulder problem during Manchester United’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa last week and sat out the midweek victory over Villarreal.

However, Shaw was included in Thursday’s latest England squad, suggesting he is fit to play in the upcoming international fixtures.

Solskjaer was asked about Shaw’s fitness in Friday’s pre-Everton press conference and also gave an update on the fitness of Marcus Rashford.

“Luke feels better in himself,” said the Norwegian. “He’s been ill but he’s still got the shoulder injury.

“We’ve got to make a decision on him. Marcus trained fully for the first time today with contact. There were a few tackles flying in on him and he seemed okay, which was nice to see.”

“Marcus is fit, he’s worked really hard, but he’s not had any contact [until now],” he added, when speaking to club media earlier in the day. “If his shoulder can take the contact now, he should be ready after the internationals.”

While Rashford is nearing a return, the same can’t be said for captain Harry Maguire, who looks set to miss just his fifth league game since joining the club in 2019.

“Harry is still out and Amad is still out. We didn’t lose anyone [else] on Wednesday night,” Solskjaer explained.

Who could replace Shaw?

If the defender isn’t deemed fit enough to feature at Old Trafford, Alex Telles seems the obvious choice at left-back after the Brazilian deputised in midweek.

However, with the former Porto man recently returning from a long-term injury, two games in just four days may be too much for him. If so, Diogo Dalot could switch to left-back, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka once again available.

Fred enjoyed a brief cameo on the left-hand side of defence on Wednesday and could offer a unconventional option for the visit of Everton.

Opposition team news

Rafael Benitez confirmed in Friday’s press conference that Seamus Coleman and Dominic Calvert-Lewin will again be absent, although both are back training on the grass.

Richarlison  will also not be involved due to a knee problem. In a fresh development, Benitez also revealed that Alex Iwobi has sustained a “little problem” and may not be involved.

Andre Gomes  remains sidelined with a calf injury but Jean Philippe-Gbamin is back in full training.