Pog return delayed as he aims to play before break By SAMUEL LUCKHURST
UNITED are hopeful Paul Pogba will recover from injury before the March international break.
The midfielder has missed the last six games with a thigh injury and is not expected to be available for the derby at City on Sunday.
United host AC Milan in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-16 tie next week, with the visit of West Ham sandwiched between the European legs prior to an FA Cup quarter-final at Leicester on March 21.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Pogba’s rehabilitation is focused on him hitting the ground running for when he does return.
“I hope we will, definitely,” Solskjaer said when asked if he will return before the international break.
“And he’s very positive. He’s working really hard. He knows when he gets back we haven’t got two or three games to play him into form, so he’s working hard on his fitness.
“And when you’ve got the quality of Paul, fitness is the main thing. Mentality wise, you know when the sun is out in Manchester there’s nothing to complain about!”
Edinson Cavani, meanwhile, could return against Crystal Palace tonight.
The striker has not played since the draw with West Brom on February 14 and missed the last four games with a muscular injury, but he trained with the squad yesterday morning.
However, Phil Jones could be sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury. The 29-year-old has not played since January 2020 and sustained his latest injury in June.
“Edinson trained, he’s joined in, that’s good, let’s hope there’s no reaction after the session and hopefully he will travel with the squad,” said Solskjaer.
“With Phil, obviously we hope [he will play again this season]. He’s working really hard, he’s had a couple of setbacks and it’s just that kind of injury you have to be patient with and give him time.”