Manchester United have been handed a huge injury blow, with Rasmus Hojlund set to be sidelined for as long as three weeks with a muscle problem.

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Hojlund picks up muscle injuryWill miss key games including derby clash Has been in excellent formGettyWHAT HAPPENED?

On Friday afternoon, United released an update on their star striker's fitness, which read: "Rasmus Hojlund will miss Manchester United’s Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday due to a muscle injury. It is expected to keep him out for two to three weeks."

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Assuming Hojlund does take three weeks to recover from the injury, not only would he miss this weekend's clash with the Cottagers, the Dane would also sit out of games against Nottingham Forest, Everton, Sheffield United and, most crucially, Manchester City.

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The news will be a particularly bitter pill for Erik ten Hag to swallow as Hojlund has been in stunning form for the Red Devils recently. After making a very slow start to life at Old Trafford, the £72 million ($91m) signing has plundered seven Premier League goals in his last six starts, including a match-winning brace against Luton Town last time out.

WHAT NEXT?

With Hojlund set to be sidelined for a significant run of games, Ten Hag may turn to Marcus Rashford to play as a central striker. Anthony Martial – who is finally set to depart United in the summer – would have been another option, but the Frenchman is struggling with an injury of his own at present.