Alexis Sanchez is expected to be fit for Manchester United’s clash with Tottenham next week, despite suffering a hamstring strain against Reading.
Sanchez was making his first start since tearing his hamstring in training November.
The Chilean has returned from injury ahead of time, but was substituted after 64 minutes of United’s 2-0 FA Cup third round win.
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed it was a precautionary measure.
“He was feeling his hamstring, but he should have told me one minute before because I made two substitutions,” said United’s interim manager. “Hopefully he’ll be okay for next weekend.
“I think maybe he’s happy that he got through 60 minutes. Hopefully he won’t be too bad.
“He’s been out a month now, he’s had 20 minutes against Newcastle, half an hour maybe. Now he’s had 60 minutes, so it’s about building up again.”
Sanchez has endured a miserable time since joining United from Arsenal last January.
He’s only scored one goal this season and was dropped by Jose Mourinho in the ex-United manager’s final months in charge.
But Solskjaer is convinced he will soon return to form.
“You know the quality he has,” he said. “I think maybe when he gets another few games under his belt, he would have finished (his chance) a little bit earlier on in the first half.
“He had one touch too many, could have finished when he was driving through the box, so he’ll be fine.”
Both Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku will be aiming to force their way into United’s starting XI against Spurs next Sunday.
Lukaku made it three goals in as many games under Solskjaer with his coolly-taken strike just before half-time after being played through by Sanchez.
“Everyone’s considered (for Spurs) and it’s down to what tactics we decide, who does well, who’s fit when they come to Sunday and they are now getting the fitness work in,” said Solskjaer. “I know they’re quality players.
“Rom’s scored three in three now, two as a sub and today as a starter. It was a fantastic goal constructed by the two of them.”
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