Denmark coach drops exciting Rasmus Hojlund fitness update for Manchester United ahead of Arsenal clash

Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand has suggested Rasmus Hojlund will be fit to face Arsenal this weekend after naming the striker in his squad for the upcoming international matches.

Hojlund is yet to feature for Manchester United after arriving in a £72million deal from Atalanta earlier this month. The 20-year-old was paraded around Old Trafford ahead of the friendly against RC Lens but a small back issue picked up during medical tests forced his debut to be put on hold.

The young striker returned to full training at Carrington last week and has been deemed fit enough to join his compatriots for two Euro 2024 qualifiers against San Marino and Finland at the start of next month. His involvement suggests a return to play is imminent and Hjulmand has suggested it could be as early as this week.

"I’ve been in Manchester to watch Rasmus train and he’s in full gear, so he’ll probably be in the squad for the weekend," Hjulmand told reporters after the national team squad was announced. "There is of course a caveat, and he must show that he is ready this week.

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"I have been in Manchester and have some clear agreements with the club. He should preferably get some minutes so that we can see that he’s there. He lacks game time, that’s clear, but he’s going to play a role, so we’ll have to see what he can do."

United will be minded not to rush Hojlund back into action too quickly, having flagged the stress fracture in his back during his medical examination. Speaking last week, Erik ten Hag insisted the striker would need a full week of training before being considered, and the Dutchman chose against including his latest signing during Saturday's 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.

The Reds boss has been in need of attacking threat during an underwhelming start to the campaign, with six points from their opening three games somewhat masking problems. None of United's frontline have scored so far this season, with Ten hag reliant on Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes to score winning goals against Wolves and Forest respectively.

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