Marcus Rashford injury latest: Manchester United and England striker confident of returning before end of the season
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has revealed he is confident of making a first-team return to action before the end of the season.
The England international is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a double stress fracture of the back in last week's FA Cup third-round replay against Wolves.
The time frame for the 22-year-old's recovery has been unclear, with his hopes of playing for England at Euro 2020 potentially in doubt.
However, he hopes to return in good time so he can represent Manchester United again before the end of the campaign.
Responding to a message of support, Rashford tweeted: "Thanks guys, I'll be back before the season ends to hopefully help my team claim top 4."
United have been unclear over how long Rashford will be out with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer initially suggesting around only six weeks.
The Norwegian revised that at a press conference on Tuesday, admitting Rashford would instead be sidelined 'for a few months' - but still no firm time frame has been made public.
Rashford suffered the injury last Wednesday after coming on as a substitute against Wolves. He played for just 16 minutes before being taken off.
He had suffered back pain in previous weeks but Solskjaer insisted the latest problem was a fresh one.
The England forward missed last Sunday's defeat at Liverpool, but prior to that had started every Premier League game this season.
He has scored 19 goals in all competitions this term and his absence will be a big blow as the team, currently fifth, look to claim a top-four place.
Meanwhile, one leading medical professional claims Rashford is 'touch and go' for Euro 2020 as he battles to recover from a stress fracture of the back.
Johnny Wilson, clinical director at 108 Harley Street, believes the forward is facing a race against time to be fit for England's Euro 2020 opener against Croatia at Wembley on June 14.
Wilson told the PA news agency: "In the Premier League there have been seven players over the last 10 years that have reported the same injury as Rashford.
"Their average return-to-playing time frame was 133 days. Today the Euros are 142 days away, so it is touch and go. He has a chance but everything has to go right."