Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag is hopeful that Marcus Rashford will be available for Sunday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United.
The 25-year-old emerged as a doubt for the trip to St James' Park when he withdrew from the England squad due to a knock that he suffered against Fulham in the FA Cup last time out.
However, Rashford was able to train with the Red Devils on Friday, and Ten Hag is hopeful that his leading goalscorer will be fit for the contest with Eddie Howe's side.
"I've good hope, he trained but he had to do some treatment, he had to do some individual training, today he joined in with the group. We have one more day. I have a good hope he will be available," the Man United boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference.
Ten Hag also insisted that he had no problem with Rashford heading to New York over the international break following his withdrawal from the England squad.
"I think it's positive that he was in a break. I think Rashford, I think with Bruno [Fernandes], he was playing the most games of the whole squad and I think with Manchester United playing the most games across Europe and especially the internationals, our internationals are not mostly on the bench, mostly they are playing," added the Dutchman.
"Our players are playing the most games in this crazy season. They need a breather to collect energy. For me, it's positive he took that time to turn off from football. I have seen him back this week and he has shown a lot of energy, a lot of motivation, it was a good spirit and a lot of focus.
"Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Bruno, Casemiro, they are starters for their nations. I want to emphasise they have the most games across the season so far. We played an extra round in the Europa League."
Ten Hag was also asked for an update on Rashford's contract talks, with the England international's current deal due to expire in the summer of 2024.
"We never do. It's an internal process. We focus on winning games, of course also planning for the future so in the back we're working on that. It's about agents, it's about football director John Murtough, Rashy and I are focusing on performing," he added.
Anthony Martial could also be back in the squad against Newcastle, with the Frenchman able to train over the last couple of weeks following a hip issue.
"He's training, so for two weeks now, I think he can be in," said Ten Hag when asked for an update on the striker, who has struggled with fitness problems throughout the season.
Martial has not featured for the Red Devils since the start of February, while he has been restricted to just 14 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring six goals and registering two assists in the process.
Man United will again definitely be missing Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek, Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro on Sunday, while Tom Heaton is also out with an ankle issue.
However, Raphael Varane and Marcel Sabitzer could both be in the squad following injury concerns, with the Red Devils looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League. body check tags ::
