Man Utd vs Liverpool: Red Devils get key injury boost for FA Cup showdown
Manchester United expect to have Rasmus Hojlund back fit to face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter final at Old Trafford this weekend, according to the Denmark national team manager.
The 21-year-old summer signing endured a difficult start to his career in England and had wait until Boxing Day to break his Premier League duck with a strike against Aston Villa.
However, from that point, the Danish forward, who was signed from Atalanta for £64m plus add-ons, found form with eight goals in as many games — which earned him the Premier League Player of the Month for February award.
His streak was then interrupted by a muscle injury picked up in training and he hasn't featured at all since scoring a brace in United's 2-1 win over Luton Town on 18 February.
After four games out, Hojlund could be set to return to action for this Sunday's cup clash with Liverpool.
Speaking with regard to the upcoming international break, which follows this weekend's fixtures, Denmark national team manager Kasper Hjulmand told Danish outlet Campo.dk that he 'expects' Hojlund to feature against the Reds.
He is quoted as saying: "It is clear that Rasmus will play on Sunday against Liverpool and must get through the game well. We expect that. We are in contact with United. I have spoken to Erik, and we expect that to happen. But it is clear that he has to get through the game, and there must be nothing on the other side for that to be possible."
Meanwhile, United boss Erik ten Hag has also suggested his star forward could feature against Liverpool, along with recent absentees Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan Bissaka.
Ahead of last weekend's win over Everton, he told reporters: "Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, I expect to be back for our game against Liverpool. Hojlund similar."
Team news for Manchester United vs Liverpool
The Hojlund news will come as a boost for United, who are set to be without at least five first-team stars for the FA Cup tie.
Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial all remain injured and will not feature.
For Liverpool's part, the Reds are still without Alisson Becker (hamstring), Trent Alexander-Arnold (knee), Diogo Jota (knee), Curtis Jones (ankle), Ryan Gravenberch (ankle), Stefan Bajcetic (thigh), Joel Matip (knee) and Thiago Alcantara (hip) through injury.
Ibrahima Konate and Jayden Danns remain doubts as they recover from knocks, but could well be in contention to feature.