Harry Maguire injury: Manchester United captain unlikely to return for Europa League final
Harry Maguire is unlikely to recover from an ankle injury in time to play in Manchester United’s Europa League final, according to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Maguire has missed United’s last three games after being forced off during the 3-1 win over Aston Villa after damaging ankle ligaments.
Solskjaer had hoped that the United captain would return in time to face Villarreal in Gdansk next Wednesday, but even though Maguire is now walking without crutches, his chances of playing again before the end of the season are remote.
“He's walking but there's a long way from walking to running. To be honest, I don't think we'll see him in Gdansk, no,” Solskjaer said.
“As I've said so many times, I'm going to give him until Tuesday night, the last training session to see if he can try and be out there. Steadily but surely he's improving but ligaments take time to heal.”
Maguire attended the premiere of a new documentary about legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson on Thursday night and was seen walking freely for the first time since his injury but Solskjaer insisted his captain is far from match fitness.
The United manager has said that he will not take any risks with Maguire or rush him back too quickly given that the 28-year-old will hope to play in England’s first game of Euro 2020 against Croatia on 13 June.
“We're hopeful he's ready and if he’s ready for us he’ll be ready for the Euros,” Solskjaer said earlier this month. “Norway's not in the Euros, I’m not really that concerned.”
United end the season away to Wolverhampton Wanderers and will be able to call upon Daniel James, who has not played since late April, after his recovery from injury.
Fred and Scott McTominay are also fit after picking up knocks in the 1-1 draw with Fulham but Anthony Martial is still sidelined with a knee injury which may yet rule him out of playing in Gdansk.
“Unfortunately, Anthony won't make this one for the squad so Harry and Anthony are still working hard to be available for the final. Of course, they've been out for a long time,” Solskjaer said.
“We’re recovering with him [Harry] and resting with him. He’s not at the stage where he can work hard yet. He’s walking on it now but still it’s a long way from walking to playing football.”
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