Manchester United have confirmed that Marcus Rashford was back in light training on Monday as he seeks to recover from the injury that forced him to withdraw from the England squad,.
Rashford picked up a toe injury before the international break towards the end of the 3-1 victory over Fulham and was forced to miss England duty as a result – something that appeared to frustrate Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.
With United due to face top-four rivals Newcastle on Sunday, the Red Devils confirmed that Rashford has inched closer to a return.
“Marcus Rashford has started his recovery at Carrington after sustaining an injury in our last fixture, the Emirates FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham,” a United statement read.
“Marcus was able to get out on the grass at our training base on Monday but the Reds’ leading goalscorer could only take part in a small session, away from the main group.
“There was no ball work involved for the 25-year-old, who scored his 27th goal of United’s season with a long-range beauty against Real Betis, ensuring he netted in both legs of the Europa League tie with the Spanish side.”
Rashford faces a clear race against time to recover before the trip to St James’ Park, which could have significant ramifications on the battle for Champions League qualification.
United currently sit third in the table on 50 points, with Tottenham just one point behind in fourth, although the London side have played two games more than both United and fifth-placed Newcastle, who have 47 points to their name.
If Rashford is not fit enough to start, Erik ten Hag could move Jadon Sancho over to the left or opt to involve youngsters Facundo Pellistri or Anthony Elanga.
Elanga recently confessed to feeling frustrated towards his lack of minutes under Ten Hag, admitting he will have to discuss his situation at the end of the season.
