Why Rasmus Hojlund has been left out of Man Utd squad to face Nottingham Forest
- Man Utd travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening
- Rasmus Hojlund not with matchday squad
- Club have confirmed why he is absent
By Sean Walsh
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund will miss Saturday evening's trip to Nottingham Forest due to a bout of illness.
Hojlund scored his first Premier League goal in the Red Devils' dramatic 3-2 comeback win at home to Aston Villa on Boxing Day, ending his 14-game drought in domestic action.
But the Denmark international will not have another chance to score again in 2023 after being ruled out of United's clash with Forest.
United have confirmed that Hojlund is suffering from an illness and has remained at home.
A club statement read: "Rasmus Hojlund, who scored his first Premier League goal against Aston Villa on Boxing Day, is unfortunately unavailable for this evening’s game at Nottingham Forest due to illness."
Hojlund is not the only striker at United suffering from illness, with Anthony Martial also struck down by sickness recently.
The likes of Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez are also out of the match at the City Ground.
There is, however, a return to the matchday squad for Amad Diallo, who has missed the entire season so far with a knee injury.
A win away at Forest would move Erik ten Hag's side back up to sixth place ahead of West Ham United, who take on Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday. If results go against them, United could end the festive period sitting as low as ninth in the standings.
Man Utd XI to face Nottingham Forest: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Evans, Dalot; Mainoo, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
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