Report claims Cavani will miss Leeds game but return against Atletico

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Edinson Cavani missed Manchester United’s recent home games against Southampton and Brighton.

Ralf Rangnick said that the striker picked up a groin injury in the final training session before the 1-1 draw with the Saints.

The issue continues a frustrating season for Cavani, who has been unable to put a run of games together and replicate his first season impact.

Now, a report by the Athletic claims that Cavani will miss this Sunday’s trip to Elland Road to face Leeds before returning for the Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid next week.

Back fit for grudge match

Cavani came close to signing with Atletico in December 2019 when it became clear his time with Paris Saint-Germain was coming to an end.

Di Marzio reported at the time that a deal in principle was agreed between Cavani and the Spanish club for him to sign a three year deal in Madrid.

But then, Cavani and Atletico could not finalise terms, and Atletico’s president publicly criticised the striker and his representatives.

Enrico Cezero said, as per Goal: “Someday I will tell why Cavani did not come and they will prove me right. I don’t want to point anyone out, but I think it’s a shame about the situation of some players with their relatives and their representatives. It’s outrageous. We’re not here to be robbed or do anything strange.”

Given the volume of injury problems Cavani has had this season, it seems unlikely he will be thrown straight back into the starting eleven if he is fit next Wednesday.

But he could still be a handy option to have off the bench if United need to grab a goal as the game wears on.

Cavani could have a point to prove to the reigning Spanish champions and will hope to make his mark over two legs.

It would have been good to have him fit against Leeds, but Ralf Rangnick will hope he has enough to win that War of the Roses without him.

The most important thing is that when he gets fit, he stays fit, and if he does that, Cavani can still have a major impact on the season.

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