Solskjaer confirms Pogba will ‘probably not’ play Newcastle

Joe Williams

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says that Paul Pogba will “probably not” be fit for Manchester United’s trip to play Newcastle United on Sunday.

An inability to triumph away is hampering United, with Thursday’s goalless Europa League draw at AZ Alkmaar taking their winless streak on the road to a 10th successive match in all competitions.

United made eight changes in Holland with an eye on Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park, where their injury problems look set to continue.

Anthony Martial, Phil Jones, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young joined long-term absentee Eric Bailly in missing the trip to AZ, as did Aaron Wan-Bissaka through illness and Pogba with an ongoing foot issue.

“I don’t know (if players will be back available),” Solskjaer said. “Let’s see on Saturday morning. Probably not.”

Jesse Lingard will need to be assessed after leaving the field with a hamstring complaint.

And when pressed on Pogba in particular, he added: “Probably not. There’s an international break as well. It might be time for us to give him 10 or 14 days extra to be ready for Liverpool.”