It is not only about Ronaldo's return, Rangnick has also benefited from other players recovering from injuries.
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Manchester United have received a massive boost ahead of their clash against Arsenal through Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability. He had to miss out on the 4-0 defeat against Liverpool in the midweek due to the death of his baby boy. Ronaldo and Georgina Rodriguez revealed in October last year that they were expecting twins. The baby girl lived, however, the boy could not survive. Announcing the sad news on Instagram, the Portuguese striker had said earlier this week it is the “greatest pain” any parent can feel. Manchester United missed his presence on the pitch as they were humbled by the Reds at Anfield.
United’s top four ambitions looked all but over after the midweek results which saw Arsenal win 4-2 at Chelsea after the Red Devils’ loss against Liverpool. Any slim chance left of Manchester United making it into the top four places in the Premier League table rests solely on Saturday’s result. A win could still give Ralf Rangnick’s side some outside chance of securing the fourth spot. However, a defeat to their top-four rivals will all but seal United’s fate.
Ahead of the important clash at the Emirates Stadium, the Red Devils received a massive boost in terms of Cristiano Ronaldo’s availability. It’s not only about Ronaldo’s return, Rangnick has also benefited from other players recovering from injuries. Besides the Portuguese superstar, Raphael Varane and Scott McTominay have also been back in training at Carrington this week.
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“Scott McTominay will be back and fit to play,” confirmed Rangnick in his pre-match press conference.”He has been training with us and will train today, so he will be available for the game tomorrow. The same is true with Rapha Varane and, obviously, Cristiano is available again.”
Paul Pobga, who sustained a calf problem at the start of the match at Anfield, will be absent for Saturday’s encounter. Luke Shaw and Edinson Cavani are also set to be sidelined. Besides, Fred also missed the Liverpool match owing to an injury. But the biggest blow was in terms of Pogba’s injury. His latest injury means the Frenchman could very well miss the rest of the season.
“With Paul, it seems, after the scan we did yesterday or the day before yesterday, it’s very unlikely that he will play until the end of the season again. The doctor told me that it will take four weeks, minimum, for him to recover and, since the last game is at the end of May, I don’t think it’s very likely that he will be able to play again,” he added.
On the other hand, Arsenal will be without the services of left-back Kieran Tierney, who is out for the season. Besides, midfielder Thomas Partey is also sidelined due to a thigh problem, while defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is nearing on a return to full fitness.
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