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Aston Villa’s Marcus Rashford is trying to come back from a hamstring injury before the season ends. He’s still a few weeks from being fit to play.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Marcus Rashford hurt his hamstring before Aston Villa’s FA Cup semi-final loss to Crystal Palace. Villa manager Unai Emery said Rashford is still “weeks away” from playing again. Emery hopes the England international can still play in “one or two matches” before the season ends. Rashford is on loan from Manchester United.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Rashford has been important for Villa since joining on loan in January, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 17 appearances. His injury comes at a difficult time as Villa push for European football next season. They are fifth in the Premier League, four points ahead of sixth-placed Tottenham, but seven points behind fourth-placed Arsenal in the race for a Champions League spot.
Villa’s fixture list makes things more complicated as they face Manchester United on the final day of the season. Rashford cannot play in that match because he is on loan from United. This means he only has three possible matches left for Villa this season, with the May 18 game against Tottenham being his most realistic return date.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR RASHFORD?
Rashford is working hard to play for Villa again this season as he continues rehabilitation. Reports suggested United might ask for his return to complete his recovery, but Emery’s comments suggest he will stay at Villa. Rashford’s future is uncertain despite Villa having a £40m option to sign him permanently.
Reports say Villa want to keep him, but it is unclear if Rashford wants to stay beyond this season. For now, his focus is on regaining fitness for Villa’s matches against Bournemouth, Tottenham, and Fulham before the season ends. His parent club United plans to monitor developments regarding his long-term future.
