Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani has not trained for two weeks due to a niggling groin injury, forcing him to miss yet another game as his teammates head to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this week.
Cavani became a fan favourite at United during his debut season in 2020/21, scoring 17 times in all competitions. Part of his motivation for signing a contract extension was to be able to play in front of the supporters, once stadiums nationwide began re-opening.
But things have been much more difficult for the veteran Uruguayan this time around. He has been limited to just 15 appearances in all competitions, scoring only twice, as a result of multiple spells out of the team caused by various injuries.
Cavani, who was seen attending a major boxing night in Manchester on Saturday – Uruguayan fighter Chris Namus was on the undercard – has missed United’s last three games because of a groin problem. His lack of availability has also been increasingly criticised by some journalists.
Speaking ahead of this week’s Champions League last 16 first leg against Atletico, manager Ralf Rangnick confirmed: “Edi will not make the trip, he didn't train and he has not been training for the last couple of weeks. He will not be part of the group. He has problems with his groin.
“As long as he doesn't feel able to fully sprint it doesn't make sense to push him.”
Cavani’s contract is due to expire at the end of this season and it is difficult to see him remaining at Old Trafford beyond then. The 35-year-old was heavily linked with join Boca Juniors in January 2021.
More recently, Brazilian giants Botafogo have been a rumoured potential destination, while Barcelona were also linked prior to signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
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Source : 90min