Marcus Rashford has been ruled out of all three of England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers with an ankle injury.
Rashford, 23, has not been named in England’s 23-man squad for tonight’s match against San Marino and will now return to Manchester United as he continues his recovery.
The injury means he will also miss fixtures against Albania and Poland.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has also been left out of the squad to face San Marino, as has Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, although both will remain with the England camp.
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Why did Rashford join up with the squad?
The Athletic understands Rashford joined up with the England squad out of a desire to be in and around the England set up.
The 23-year-old, who missed the last England camp during the November international break, expressed a desire to partake in team meetings and reconnect with England teammates part of his preparations for this summer’s European Championship.
This, combined with the robust medical facilities available at St George’s Park, have allowed Rashford to continue his recovery in a safe, relaxed social environment.
What injury is he suffering from?
Rashford is thought to be still recovering from an ankle injury sustained in United’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City on the March 7.
The Athletic understands the forward did not suffer ligament damage during the derby, but a bruising and swelling of his foot and bleeding on the bone made him unavailable for United’s first leg Europa League game against AC Milan.
Rashford made an early recovery to complete 90 minutes against West Ham United on 14 March, but had to be substituted at halftime in the second leg of the United’s Europa League tie against AC Milan on the March 18 and was left out of the match day squad in his side’s FA Cup tie against Leicester City on the March 21.
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What other injury concerns do England have?
Saka and Walker have also been left out of the squad to face San Marino tonight, but it is hoped that they will play some part in the fixtures against Albania and Poland.
Saka was able to play 74 minutes of Arsenal's 3-3 draw with West Ham last weekend, but he will not feature for England tonight because of a hamstring problem.
(Photo: Daniel Leal Olivas – Pool/Getty Images)
