Ralf Rangnick confirms Edinson Cavani will miss Man United's Champions League clash

Edinson Cavani has been ruled out of Manchester United’s Champions League last-16 clash with Atletico Madrid.

Ralf Rangnick has confirmed Edinson Cavani will miss Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

The round-of-16 clash takes place at the Wanda Metropolitano as two struggling sides look to grab a win in hopes of salvaging their season.

Atletico and United have both endured challenging domestic seasons, however, Rangnick’s side made it back-to-back wins after Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Leeds.

As the team gear up for another tough midweek game, United’s interim boss issued an update on Cavani, who is set to miss his fourth straight game in a row.

“No, Edi will not be able to make the trip,” Rangnick said. “He didn’t train and he has not been training for the last couple of weeks, so he will not be part of the group.

“He has problems with his groin and, as long as he does not feel able to fully sprint, it does not make sense to train him and to force him back into training.

“I think he’s got enough experience to know by himself if he’s fully available again.”

Rangnick: "Edi [Cavani] will not be part of the trip [to Madrid]. He has not trained the past weeks and will not be part of the group." #mulive
— utdreport (@utdreport) February 22, 2022

Rangnick is focused on getting all three points in the Spanish capital and added: “In the Champions League you need to perform on the highest possible level.

“Of course we had a game on Sunday, a very physical one. Atletico played away at Osasuna on Saturday, so there might be a slight advantage with regard to recovery on their side.

“We obviously made sure that the players could recover in the last two days and maybe we will have some fresh legs on the pitch. We will see.

“We need to play tactically on a high level, physically. Mentally we need to be prepared for a very emotional, if not even hostile, atmosphere in their stadium.

“Some of our players will not be received with a red carpet, obviously. I don’t think that the game and the fixture will be decided (on Wednesday). It will be decided in the second leg at Old Trafford.”