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Solskjaer casts doubt over Rashford's Euro 2020 involvement

John Peters / Manchester United / Getty

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admitted Wednesday that scans on Marcus Rashford's back have revealed his injury was "more severe" than first thought, according to The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell.

The Manchester United striker is, therefore, "touch and go" to feature for the club again this season. It's also unknown whether he'll be ready for England's Euro 2020 campaign.

"He had a scan and it was maybe more severe, the fracture, than what we hoped," Solskjaer explained to the media ahead of Thursday's Europa League tie at Club Brugge. "He felt fine in the days after. It just takes that time to recover. It is important we don't rush him."

He added: "If he is not fit enough, he won't go (to Euro 2020)."

Under Solskjaer, Rashford has developed a knack for scoring in big games - he's notched vital goals against Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea since the beginning of the Norwegian's reign - and this term had already featured his best single-season haul of 14 Premier League tallies.

However, Solskjaer has received criticism for his handling of Rashford prior to him being sidelined. The attacker was troubled by his back for some time and reportedly struggled to sit down for an interview days before January's FA Cup meeting with Wolverhampton Wanderers. He was brought on in the second half of the Wolves clash but lasted just 16 minutes before he was substituted while clutching his back.

Solskjaer forecasted "a few weeks" out for Rashford three days after the local lad was withdrawn against Wolves, but the manager may now have to count on Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood as his only recognized center-forwards for the remainder of this season.

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