Manchester United will face Roma in the Champions League semi-finals.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told BT Sport he is looking forward to the test, remarking: “Roma, what a club, what a team. Good challenge.”
The United boss was then asked if he will give Chris Smalling a call ahead of the tie.
Solskjaer loaned Smalling to Roma last season, and then sanctioned his sale last Autumn.
He responded, when asked if he would ring the former United defender: “No, not at all, no.”
“I think Chris is injured, unfortunately… We will probably see him.”
On the sidelines
Smalling had his fitness battles at United at times, and he is currently out with a knee problem.
He missed four Serie A games with a biceps injury in February, returned for two matches, and then has missed the last four games with a knee issue, also missing both Europa League quarter-final ties.
There is no return date scheduled, but you can bet Smalling will be doing everything he can to play some part against United if he is needed.
This season Smalling has played 17 games in total for Roma, 14 in Serie A and three in the Europa. He has had four separate spells out with injuries.
The game at Old Trafford will be held on April 29, with the match in Rome a week later on May 6.
Smalling will be able to offer some behind the scenes advice to Roma on how to prepare for United, but his insight will be somewhat limited.
He has not been around Solskjaer’s squad for two seasons, and players like Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani, he has never played with or against.
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