Fred.

Fred available for Newcastle encounter

Saturday 11 September 2021 07:55

Manchester United can confirm Fred is now available for Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United.

The midfielder had been set to miss the Old Trafford fixture and Tuesday's Champions League opener with Young Boys, after Brazil invoked the five-day rule on their Premier League internationals who did not play in World Cup qualifiers after receiving call-ups.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hoped common sense would prevail, as travelling to South America would have meant 10 days in quarantine upon return, and described it as a 'lose-lose-lose' situation for all parties involved.

The South American federations have now agreed to waive the rule following extensive discussions with FIFA.

This means Alisson, Fabinho, Roberto Firmino (all Liverpool), Thiago Silva (Chelsea), Ederson, Gabriel Jesus (both Manchester City) and Raphinha (Leeds) are all eligible again this weekend.

Furthermore, Wolves' Raul Jimenez, Watford's Francisco Sierralta and Miguel Almiron, who can line up for today's opponents Newcastle, are also free from suspension.

With Ole admitting Scott McTominay is probably not yet fit to play following a groin operation, this will be a welcome development for the Reds boss.

As the countdown continues to Cristiano Ronaldo's potential 'second debut' at a feverish Old Trafford, follow MUTV and the Official App for the very best in pre-match coverage ahead of the 15:00 BST kick-off, which is not live on TV in the UK.

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