Rangnick gives fitness update ahead of Leeds clash

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Ralf Rangnick has conducted his pre-match press conference ahead of Manchester United’s clash with bitter rivals Leeds on Sunday.

The German faced reporters at the briefing which was streamed on United’s official app at 1.30pm before the trip to Elland Road.

He was asked about the fitness of his squad and said that Edinson Cavani is still out. He is still suffering with his groin injury but also stomach problems.

Tom Heaton is also absent but he was unlikely to play anyway, but it appears that Raphael Varane is back in contention.

“As it seems, Edinson Cavani will still be out, he’s still having some problems with his groin and his stomach, the same as Tom Heaton,” said Rangnick.

“It seems everyone else is available. Nemanja Matić was back available again, and he did quite well [in training]. He’s maybe available for Leeds but definitely the next two games.

“We will take it one by one. We try to start with a starting XI where we are convinced we can win the next game.

“I’m grateful we have more players back available again.”

That also indicates that Eric Bailly is back in contention, as well as Varane and Matic, and he was also pictured training earlier this week.

It has been a busy month and with the Champions League resuming again, Rangnick needs as many options as he can possibly get.

If Cavani can be back in time for the clash with Atletico Madrid, that would be a boost as United resume their chase for the only remaining realistic chance of silverware.

But before United can focus on that, they need to overcome one of their bitterest rivals in front of a Whites fanbase who have waited almost 20 years to watch the Red Devils at a full house in the Premier League at Elland Road.

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