News24
12 Dec 2019, 22:13 GMT+10
Cape Town - Manchester United star Paul Pogba will not be involved in the Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night as he is not fit yet.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men have secured their place in the round of 32 with a game to spare and will win Group L if they avoid defeat to the in-form Dutch visitors.
Thursday's Old Trafford encounter looked an opportune time to give minutes to Pogba, who has managed just six appearances since fuelling speculation about his future in the summer by admitting his openness to leave amid interest from Real Madrid.
Out since September due to an ankle injury, the World Cup winner returned to Manchester a fortnight ago after a period of rehabilitation in Miami, but AZ's visit comes too soon for the midfielder.
"No, it's too early (for Thursday). Yeah, we hope (that he will be back in 2019)," Solskjaer said.
"He's working hard to get fit so hopefully, we can get him back on the pitch."
Asked if it is an automatic decision to put Pogba back in the starting line-up given the way Scott McTominay and Fred have kicked on, the United boss said: "Let's get Paul fit first and then back in form and Paul will play loads of games.
"You know, for me, he's one of the best players in the world and we're looking forward to having him back."
Pogba looks set to be joined on the sidelines by Jesse Lingard, who missed training on the eve of the match having picked up a knock against City.
Kick-off is at 22:00 (SA time).
Get a daily dose of Herald Globe news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Herald Globe.
More InformationOn Friday, January 22, 2021, the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) became international law for the 122 ...
Since September, the devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic has deepened, infecting close to 100 million people, costing more than ...
The Russian vessel tapped to finish the controversial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has begun work in Danish waters just ...
President Joe Biden has issued an executive order that overturns a ban on transgender people serving in the U.S. military.In ...
NEW DELHI, India - India and China have agreed to push for an early disengagement of the frontline troops in ...
PanARMENIAN.Net - There is some evidence that a new coronavirus variant first identified in southeast England carries a higher risk ...
Josh Heupel is set to become head coach at Tennessee. According to multiple reports, Heupel accepted the position with the ...
Eddie Jones has told Joe Marler he will still be considered for future England selection despite withdrawing from the reigning ...
Arsenal completed the signing of Real Madrid midfielder Martin Odegaard on loan until the end of the season to boost ...
Proteas duo Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk were nominated for the newly-introduced player of the month awards by the ...
New Delhi [India], January 27 (ANI): Indian junior women's hockey team returned to the country's national capital in the early ...
Dubai [UAE], January 27 (ANI): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday released the latest Men's ODI Player Rankings, with ...