"We don't know..." - Erik ten Hag admits he's unsure when Rashford will return for Man Utd

Erik ten Hag spoke on Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United forward was ruled out for “a few games” with a muscle injury.

During United’s 2-0 win to Everton on Saturday the 25-year-old was substituted after suffering from groin pain and immediately headed to the dressing room.

And the club today confirmed that while the England international will be sidelined for the coming games, he is expected to play again this season.

A United statement said: "The forward was withdrawn in the 80th minute of Saturday's 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Old Trafford and immediately headed to the dressing room for treatment.

"Subsequent assessment of the injury suggested that Marcus will be unavailable for a few games, but is expected to be back for the season run-in."

Rashford has been central to Manchester United’s fortunes this term, having featured in all of the club’s Premier League matches and claimed some 28 goals in all competitions, including one at Wembley which helped them lift the Carabao Cup.

The attacker will be absent for the club’s Europa League quarter-final first leg on Thursday at Old Trafford and the trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Ten Hag breaks silence on Rashford's injury

The United boss broke commented on Rashford’s injury in his press conference on Wednesday.

A coy Ten Hag said: “A few games, so that's the statement. I can't give more details on it because we don't know.

"We'll have to see it how it develops."

However in Rashford's absence there could be an opportunity for Anthony Martial to have a more central role in the side.

On the Frenchman, Ten Hag added: "We don't have to force things. We are careful. The front line against Everton worked really well.

"I think he is ready to start, but as I said, the front line did very well against Brentford and we picked the same against Everton.

"The advantage was we could bring Martial back slowly, giving him minutes, but I think already against Everton he was ready to start the game.

"The time he needs for a goal is less. When he's in the team, we play our best football and we have our best results as a team.

"I defend him because I point to the stats and see how he contributes."

Meanwhile, the Dutchman gave an update on the fitness of Alejandro Garnacho and Luke Shaw.

He said: "Both are not available. Definitely the injury of Garnacho is more severe, but I expect Luke Shaw back on shorter notice."

Topics: Marcus Rashford, Erik Ten Hag, Manchester United, Premier League, Europa League, Sevilla

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.