Man Utd team news: Duo fit but Solskjaer confirms 3 players will miss Arsenal trip

Manchester United take on Arsenal in the fourth round of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

Ahead of the game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference this morning and he’s offered a full team news and injury update including the latest on a number of United players.

The Red Devils coach confirmed that he’ll be without three players for the trip to north London tomorrow night with Marouane Fellaini, Marcos Rojo and Chris Smalling all set to miss the Arsenal tie.

Fellaini is expected to miss another four weeks due to a calf strain that he suffered earlier this month while Rojo is still working his way back to full fitness following a niggling shin injury and Solskjaer says both players are still ‘a bit away’ from returning to action.

There was slightly more positive news on Smalling as the defender has returned to training this week after recovering from a foot injury and while the Arsenal game will come too soon, United are hopeful he’ll be available again next week.

Solskjaer told ManUtd.com:

“No, it’s still those three. Smalling has started training so hopefully he’ll be available maybe next week so it’s looking good for him. Fellaini and Rojo are still a bit away.”

The United boss also confirmed a fitness boost as Luke Shaw is set to return to the squad after being forced to miss the 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last week due to illness.

Solskjaer revealed that Alexis Sanchez will be involved against his former side and he feels the attacker will relish playing in front of a hostile Arsenal crowd at the Emirates.

He told the Manchester Evening News:

“He (Luke Shaw) was ill, he just fell ill the night before.

“He’ll [Sanchez] be involved. I think he’ll love it if the crowd turn against him. As a player, pride kicks in and you think ‘I’ll show all of you’. He’s been fantastic in training, his attitude has been spot on so hopefully he’ll enjoy the game.”

Solskjaer didn’t give any mention to Marcus Rashford so it looks like the in-form striker has shaken-off a minor knee problem and should keep his place up front against Arsenal tomorrow night.