Rasmus Hojlund injury to rule him out for 2-3 weeks, likely to miss Manchester derby

Rasmus Hojlund is expected to be sidelined for up to three weeks with a muscular injury and is likely to miss next month’s Manchester derby.

The 21-year-old striker has been ruled out of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Fulham and Wednesday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie with Nottingham Forest, while the clash with rivals Manchester City on March 3 will likely also come too soon for him.

Hojlund will also face a race to be fit for the league fixtures against Everton on March 9 and Sheffield United on March 16.

His injury comes amid an impressive run of personal form, having scored seven goals in his last six Premier League appearances.

He joins Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Anthony Martial, Tyrell Malacia and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on United’s injury list.

Marcus Rashford is likeliest to deputise through the middle in Hojlund’s absence, although the England international has struggled for goals this term scoring just five times.

Midfielder Scott McTominay is the club’s second highest goalscorer behind Hojlund’s 13 with eight.

Hojlund joined United from Serie A side Atalanta in July in a deal worth €75million rising to €85m with add-ons.

He has gone on to make 30 appearances in all competitions.