Aston Villa's Premier League rivals dealt major injury blow in top four battle as key man ruled out

Aston Villa's top four rivals Manchester United have been dealt a huge injury blow with in-form forward Rasmus Hojlund being ruled out. The striker has played an instrumental role in United's recent strong Premier League form, scoring in each of the club's last six outings.

His goals have helped Erik ten Hag's side, who slumped to 8th over Christmas, pick up maximum points through February, with a win at Villa Park coming earlier this month. Such form has seen them move to within five points of Unai Emery's side, who occupy the final Champions League spot at present.

However, United will be without Hojlund this weekend and that will come a huge blow as the club look to take another step towards the top four against Fulham at Old Trafford. The Denmark international has been ruled out for two or three weeks and that ensures he will also miss their FA Cup fifth round tie with Nottingham Forest.

It seems highly unlikely that he will be fit for the following weekend's trip to Manchester City, either, while the Old Trafford club also take on Everton in the coming weeks and Hojlund's absence will surely be felt.

"It is a small injury, two or three weeks. It is a risk in high intensity training," Ten Hag said during his press conference on Friday. "It's not a big injury but he has to wait now."

United are still without Anthony Martial due to injury, too, ensuring they approach the next couple of weeks without a recognised senior figure to lead the line. Elsewhere, United have seen Luke Shaw hit with a long-term leg injury, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez are all sidelined, too.

"Of course an issue but other clubs have this and we have to deal with this," Ten Hag added. "I have now the feeling we can deal with it better than in autumn. It is an issue with the depth of the squad."