KEY POINTS

  • Edinson Cavani hurt his ankle during Man Utd's 9-0 win over Southampton
  • Man Utd are set to host Everton in the league Saturday
  • Man Utd are currently placed second in the 2020-21 Premier League table

Manchester United are reportedly yet to decide if their forward Edinson Cavani will be fully fit ahead of their upcoming Premier League clash with Everton Saturday.

"Manchester United will check on Edinson Cavani's fitness ahead of Saturday night's visit of Everton in the Premier League," the club wrote on their official website.

Cavani hurt his ankle during Manchester United’s 9-0 victory over Southampton at Old Trafford Tuesday night. He was on the receiving end of a tackle from Southampton’s young defender Kayne Ramsay that first led to a penalty being awarded by the on-field referee. However, the VAR review showed that the tackle happened inches outside the penalty box and as a result, the Red Devils were handed a free-kick instead.

"Edinson got a bad tackle on his ankle so he had to come off. He probably would have loved to be out there, scoring goals, but there was no point in taking any risks. Hopefully, it won't swell up too much," Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had said in a post-match interview Tuesday.

Cavani was replaced by Anthony Martial, who went on to score a brace, while the Frenchman was also fouled by Southampton’s 24-year-old defender Jan Bednarek that allowed Bruno Fernandes to score from the penalty spot.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani (C) scored against Everton
Manchester United signed Edinson Cavani (right) on a free transfer in October. POOL / Nick Potts

The report also stated that Red Devils’ defender Phil Jones is yet to regain his full fitness as he is still “working his way back to fitness.”

Paul Pogba, who was rested for the home game against the Saints Tuesday, will hope to return to action at the weekend against Everton. The 27-year-old midfielder has started 14 of the 20 league games he has played this season, including seven straight starts before the Southampton game. He has netted three goals in the Premier League this season and overall, four goals for Red Devils in 2020-21.

After 22 matches, Manchester United are three points behind leaders Manchester City, who still have a game in hand. The Red Devils are two points ahead of third-placed Leicester City and four points ahead of defending champions Liverpool FC in fourth place.

RELATED STORIES
Soccer