Ronaldo and Cavani injury update

Both experienced hitmen missed the 4-1 Manchester derby defeat to compound the loss of Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane due to Covid-19.

It left the Reds up against it at the Etihad Stadium and, despite Jadon Sancho equalising in the first half, the Premier League leaders ended up comfortable winners.

Rangnick was first asked to clarify the situation with top scorer Ronaldo, after confirming to MUTV that the Portugal international is experiencing more hip problems - an area that caused him to sit out games earlier in the campaign.

"Well, I have to believe my medical department," said at his post-match press conference. "Our doctor came to see me on Friday morning, before training, and told me Cristiano cannot train with the problems he has with his hip flexor. The same was true on Saturday and that’s why he couldn’t be part of the squad."

The boss was also asked if he is growing frustrated by Cavani's continued spell on the sidelines, although the Uruguay centre-forward has been back in training at Carrington this week and is hopefully close to a return.

"Would it help anything to tell you it’s frustrating?" replied Ralf. "It’s just a fact. If players tell the doctor and medical department they cannot play, as a manager, I have to accept it. I cannot force a player to play if he’s not available because he’s got an injury.

"Look, Edi trained the last few days and trained well but he’s still feeling it after those three training sessions. Yesterday afternoon, he was still not fit to play. It’s a fact. I cannot force a player to play as a manager, if he doesn’t feel fit enough and well enough to play."