Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Manchester United's Premier League clash with Leicester because of illness.
The 37-year-old played 180 minutes for Portugal during the most recent international break, helping his country overcome Turkey and North Macedonia to qualify for this winter's World Cup.
But after failing to meet up with United's squad at the Lowry Hotel, as is usual procedure, Ronaldo will not take part against Leicester as the Red Devils look to maintain their push for a top-four finish.
Speaking of his absence, interim manager Ralf Rangnick said: “He had some flu like symptoms before training yesterday, he didn’t feel well enough to train.
"We sent out doctor to his home this morning to check if he felt any better but he didn't, so he’s not in the starting XI as he was supposed to be."
Ronaldo, who has scored 23 goals for club and country this season, joins Edinson Cavani on the sidelines after he picked up an injury while on international duty with Uruguay.
United have turned to Bruno Fernandes to lead the line in a false nine role, with Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga likely to play either side of him.
Rangnick's United are currently sixth and trail fourth-placed Arsenal by four points in the race for Champions League qualification, though his side have played a game more than their north London rivals.
The veteran German has overseen 20 games as United's interim boss, winning nine, drawing eight and losing three - a win percentage of just 45%.
Leicester, meanwhile, are gradually coming back into form after a difficult first half of the season. The Foxes have a number of games in hand thanks to Covid-19-related postponements, and have picked up three wins in their last five outings despite the absence of Jamie Vardy.
Source : 90min