Manchester United have been dealt with a severe blow ahead of their big clash against Arsenal in the English Premier League (EPL) with striker Marcus Rashford ruled out of the game due to groin injury. Rashford, 21, was forced-off during United’s 0-2 loss away to West Ham on Saturday and could be out for a couple of more games although manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects him to be back before the international break. Man United, who scrapped through the third-round of EFL Cup against Rochdale on penalties, are only left with 17-year-old forward Mason Greenwood as the sole recognized striker in the entire squad.

Solskjaer was, however, optimistic that the England international could be back before the international break although reports elsewhere suggested otherwise. Solskjaer, whose side have won just twice in six Premier League games, said before the EFL Cup tie against Rochdale that Rashford is recovering and could be seen before the international break dawns next month. Carabao Cup 2019-20: Manchester United Survive Rochdale Storm.

But according to a report from The Sun, Rashford would not only miss the game Arsenal – against whom he scored twice on debut – but is also a major doubt for the Europa League away leg against AZ Alkmaar and Newcastle United. The Red Devils host Arsenal in the EPL on Monday before travelling to the Netherlands for the Europa League on the following Thursday. United will also travel to Newcastle for their final EPL game on October 6 before a two-week international break. Carabao Cup 2019–20 4th Round Draw: Manchester United to Play Chelsea in Last 16.

“He’s recovering. He’s not very, very bad so we hope to see him before the international break,” said the Norwegian manager having earlier confirmed that Rashford, who missed the EFL third-round match, will undergo tests with United's medical team, which will determine the gravity of his groin injury.

But despite the assurances of Rashford’s possible early return, Solskjaer will be short of firepower especially without the services of his two first-choice strikers. Martial had earlier been ruled out for over a month with a thigh problem, while Rashford’s injury further compounds the issue at Old Trafford, where United are already short on strike force following the departures of Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez.

With both Rashford and Martial absent, Jesse Lingard was forced to play as a striker against West Ham while Greenwood returned – from illness – to lead the attack-line against Rochdale. But while the 17-year-old’s form, Greenwood scored in consecutive matches, will give Solskjaer some confidence against Arsenal, he will hope for Rashford to return at the earliest.

Meanwhile, United gave a positive reaction to Paul Pogba’s fitness after the Frenchman played a full 90 minutes against Rochdale. Pogba, who missed the last three games with an ankle injury, is expected to start against the Gunners. “It’s good that he has had a couple of days training and he needs a game to further his recovery,” said Solskjaer. “Hopefully then he will be good for Arsenal (on Monday)."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2019 01:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).