Gareth Southgate plays down Marcus Rashford injury concerns after England substitution
- Rashford limped off the pitch during Friday's 2-0 victory over Malta
- Winger was injured in a collision with Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Man Utd goalkeeper Andre Onana also suffered an injury
By Tom Gott
England manager Gareth Southgate is confident Marcus Rashford avoided any real injury of note during Friday's 2-0 win over Malta.
Rashford started the game but limped off shortly after the hour mark following an accidental collision with Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who emerged from the incident unscathed.
The Manchester United forward was substituted immediately after picking up the knock, but Southgate assured fans that Rashford's removal was not due to the severity of any injury.
"I think he [Rashford] is probably okay," Southgate said in his post-match press conference.
"We just thought given the nature of the collision it was a chance to get Cole [Palmer] into the game. I haven’t assessed too much but I think he was okay when he came off."
United already have a lengthy list of injuries as they prepare to return to Premier League action on November 26 against an Everton side still reeling from their shock 10-point deduction for Financial Fair Play breaches.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund is dealing with a hamstring problem, meaning Anthony Martial could return to the starting lineup in attack, while Alejandro Garnacho and Antony would likely be Erik ten Hag's preferred wing duo if Rashford requires any time on the sidelines.
Friday was a worrying day for United officials, who also watched goalkeeper Andre Onana limp off for Cameroon.
Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez are all currently sidelined as well.
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