Manchester United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick has revealed that Harry Maguire is back in contention for Saturday's Premier League clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, but Marcus Rashford will miss out.
Maguire has not played a single minute in Man United's last three Premier League games, firstly being benched for the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal after a bomb threat to his home.
The 29-year-old - who has been widely criticised for his performances this term - subsequently picked up a knee problem and was ruled out of the draw with Chelsea and victory over Brentford.
There were fears that Maguire's injury could sideline him for the remainder of the season, but Rangnick has confirmed that the England international is back in training and ready to be called upon.
"Harry is back in training, he trained the whole week since the second day after the Brentford game so he will be available for tomorrow and part of the group," Rangnick told the media at Friday's press conference.
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When asked if Maguire would be fit enough for a spot in the first XI, Rangnick responded: "This is a decision I have to make after training today. I don't want to tell our opponents the lineup to start."
Maguire will nonetheless return to challenge Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane for a spot in the Red Devils rearguard at the Amex Stadium, which is more than can be said for Eric Bailly, who has allegedly already told his teammates that he will be leaving the club this summer alongside Phil Jones.
Rangnick also revealed that Bailly would be absent due to a back problem, while Rashford is dealing with bronchitis and will not be available for Saturday's game either.
"Edinson is training, he came on as a substitute (against Brentford). Marcus Rashford will be missing, he's got bronchitis with a high temperature so he won't be able to be part of the group," Rangnick added. "We have a question mark over Eric Bailly, he called the doctor this morning and has some problems with his back."
As well as Rashford's bronchitis, Jadon Sancho was recently hospitalised due to tonsillitis and is unlikely to be back anytime soon, so Anthony Elanga and Juan Mata can feel confident of earning starts at the Amex.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka has also returned to training following a knock and should be in contention for Man United, but Luke Shaw and Paul Pogba are both set to miss the remainder of the season.
The latter has seemingly played his final game for the club as the clock ticks on the final few weeks of his United deal, and Manchester City have allegedly emerged as shock contenders for his signature.
Rangnick's side travel to Brighton seeking to keep their slim hopes of a top-four finish alive, with the Red Devils sixth in the rankings and five points adrift of Arsenal, who have two games in hand.
A loss or draw at the Amex would spell the end of Man United's Champions League pursuit, and even a win will not be enough if Arsenal get the better of Leeds United on Sunday.
A final-day meeting with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park awaits Man United on May 22 before Erik ten Hag takes over ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Ben Knapton
