Manchester United have received a huge boost with the news that striker Edinson Cavani will not appear for Uruguay in the upcoming international break.
The experienced striker’s call-up for his nation’s World Cup qualifiers in September had threatened to be problematic for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side due to the striker’s need to quarantine upon his return.
Premier League clubs had unanimously agreed to withhold players who would be forced to spend 10 days in hotel quarantine should they honour call-ups next month.
With Uruguay still on the UK’s ‘red list’ that would have been the case for Cavani, who would have been set to miss four first-team matches for United due to the situation.
The Uruguayan FA confirmed on Monday that Cavani’s call-up to the international side for their matches next month - with fixtures scheduled against Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador - had been cancelled due to this situation.
The 34-year-old had been set to miss United’s upcoming two Premier League matches against Newcastle United and West Ham United, while also sitting out the opening Champions League group game away to Young Boys and the EFL Cup clash against the Hammers.
The news of Cavani’s availability is likely to be a massive boost for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who had previously criticised the situation which had led to the possibility of the striker having to quarantine.
Solskjaer told reporters last week: “It’s a fact that if you have to have 10 days in a hotel quarantining with no chance to train, no chance to keep your fitness up then you’ll need another 10-14 days to get back up to fitness again – and then you’ve got to fly again.
“It’s an impossible situation for the clubs, it’s an impossible situation for the players. We understand that there are rules and broader issues here, that’s why we have to follow the rules.
How will Man Utd's attack line-up this season with Cristiano Ronaldo? Comment below
“If there was a choice for me, playing for Norway or playing for Man United, I know who my employer is.”
Cavani made his debut for the season during Sunday’s victory at Wolves as he replaced Daniel James in the 53 rd minute and helped his side to a slender one-goal triumph at Molineux.
The Uruguayan looks set to play a prominent role for Solskjaer’s side this season despite the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus.
The Portuguese superstar is expected to play in a central striking role for United this campaign in direct competition to Cavani, but that both players are aged in their mid-30s means that a rotation system is likely.
Mason Greenwood has started the season impressively in a central attacking role for the Red Devils and the teenager has found the net in each of his side’s opening three Premier League matches.
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