Marcus Rashford has returned to Manchester United's Carrington base to step up his recovery from shoulder surgery, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.
Rashford, 23, underwent an operation to address a long-standing injury in his shoulder a number of weeks ago, after helping England reach the final of Euro 2020.
This means Solskjaer is without the forward's services for the opening weeks of the season, with Rashford expected back in full training in late September or early October.
In a fresh update on his player, the Red Devils boss said Rashford has returned to the gym and seems in good spirits following his operation.
"He seemed very happy with the surgery," Solskjaer told Manchester United 's official website.
"He’s working in the gym we see him every day so he’ll be chomping at the bit when it gets nearer to the time when he can come back."
He added: "Of course, any time you’re off with an injury is a hard time but it’s also time to reflect and find yourself again. That’s what we hope is going to happen to Marcus."
Rashford scored 21 goals in all competitions last season and Solskjaer has a selection headache without the versatile forward in his attack.
The Norwegian could hand £73million summer signing Jadon Sancho his first start for the trip to Southampton on Sunday afternoon, with the former Borussia Dortmund ace potentially lining up on the right flank.
Mason Greenwood impressed as a centre-forward in the 5-1 thrashing of Leeds United last weekend and could continue up front, with Bruno Fernandes in the No.10 role.
Can Manchester United keep pace with the Premier League frontrunners in Marcus Rashford's absence? Have your say in the comments.
Winger Daniel James also started against the Whites and could be the player to make way, as Paul Pogba is all but certain to keep his spot having registered an astonishing four assists against Marcelo Bielsa's side.
Although Rashford will be unavailable for many more weeks, Solskjaer's options in attack have been bolstered after Edinson Cavani returned from an extended holiday.
"Edinson’s always looked after himself," said Solskjaer. "Of course, he’s lacking in team training, in football training but he’s been looking after himself and you can see that.
"He had different reasons as to why he was late, personal reasons, but his body can tolerate a lot. It wasn’t that he needed those extra days physically.
"He’s chomping at the bit, he’s ready to go and let’s see how much we can get out of him early on."
Cavani - who represented Uruguay at the Copa America earlier this summer - is expected to take a spot on the bench for the clash at St Mary's.
