Anthony Martial is understood to be a serious doubt for Manchester United’s key Champions League tie with Paris Saint-Germain, after he was sent home from the club’s training ground due to illness on Monday.
The French striker traveled with the club to face Southampton, but was absent from the squad, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed after the dramatic 3-2 win that he was ruled out due to his condition. Was asked to stay in the hotel.
The Manchester Evening News say he arrived for training with the rest of the squad on Monday, but was assessed by medical staff, and was sent home within 11 minutes of his arrival. It should be noted that there is no suggestion that he is showing symptoms of COVID-19.
Martial could return to the fold between now and Wednesday evening, but having not trained with the club since last weekend, it looks like he will be thrown straight back into the picture.
Especially when Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani is in the form of his life.
Cavani came off the bench to turn in a match-winning performance against Saints, as United emerged from two goals down with all three points. Solskjaer said after the match that he gives him a different dimension, the likes of which he hasn’t seen since Romelu Lukaku.
“He’s one of the best people, because of his experience and qualities, this move,” the manager said, “He’s one of the best movers you can see.
“He can shoulder, he can get in front of you, he can pin you. He wants to be between the two posts, which I like. I like a center forward who can get there.
Addison Kiwani. Still found, never lost. ?
— 90 Minutes (@90min_Football) November 30, 2020
“Sometimes it can hurt but, when you’re there and you get the ball there, you gamble and the ball is delivered, that’s a goal. Two goals!
“Having a focal point in the box is important for us. We haven’t really had that since Romelu Lukaku left. Anthony, Marcus and Mason are different types of forwards. It gives us a great balance and mix and we want were there to mix it up and had a great effect on Edinson.”