Marcus Rashford’s Aston Villa Season Cut Short by Hamstring Injury
Marcus Rashford is expected to miss the remainder of Aston Villa’s season after suffering a hamstring injury, in a major blow to Unai Emery’s side as they chase European qualification.
The 27-year-old forward, on loan from Manchester United, has been revitalized during his short spell at Villa Park, scoring four goals and providing six assists in just a few months. However, his promising run has been cut short with reports on Monday confirming that the injury could sideline him for several weeks, effectively ruling him out of Villa’s final four Premier League matches.
Injury Confirmed After FA Cup Absence
Rashford was notably absent from Aston Villa’s squad during their 3-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace at Wembley on Saturday. Following the match, Emery revealed the disappointing news.
“Marcus has a hamstring injury. It looks serious and he’s likely to be out for some weeks,” the Villa manager confirmed.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Villa, who are now out of both the Champions League and FA Cup this season and must focus solely on securing a European place through their league finish. Without Rashford’s pace, creativity, and eye for goal, Villa’s task just became a lot tougher.
Rashford’s Impressive Impact at Villa
Since joining Villa on loan in January, Rashford has been a revelation. After falling out of favour under new Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, the England international found a fresh start in Birmingham.
His tally of four goals and six assists in just a few months re-established his reputation as one of England’s most dynamic forwards. Rashford’s ability to stretch defences, create chances, and score important goals had quickly made him a fan favourite among Villa supporters.
His resurgence also earned him a recall to the England national team, with new boss Thomas Tuchel handing him starting roles in World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
For Marcus, the loan move was seen as a perfect opportunity to reignite his career and stake a claim for a more prominent role at Old Trafford—or to put himself in the shop window for a potential summer transfer.
However, this latest injury setback leaves his future clouded in uncertainty once again.
A Big Decision Awaits Manchester United
Rashford’s parent club, Manchester United, face a major decision in the coming months. Rashford still has three years left on his contract at Old Trafford, but questions remain over whether he is part of Amorim’s long-term plans.
His time at Villa showed he still has the quality to thrive at the top level, but United’s ongoing squad rebuild may limit opportunities. A strong end to the season with Villa would have boosted Rashford’s case for either a second chance at United or a big summer move. Now, his injury complicates matters.
There is speculation that Aston Villa could attempt to sign Rashford permanently if the price is right, especially if they qualify for European football. However, much will depend on Rashford’s recovery timeline and United’s willingness to negotiate.
England Duty Also in Doubt
Rashford’s injury also throws his international ambitions into doubt. England are set to resume their World Cup qualification campaign in June, with a crucial away match against Andorra on June 7, followed by a home friendly against Senegal three days later.
Having only just returned to the national setup under Tuchel, Rashford would have been eager to cement his place in England’s plans ahead of next summer’s tournament. Whether he can recover in time to be considered for selection now remains to be seen.
Gareth Southgate’s successor, Tuchel, had spoken highly of his form and work ethic during the last international break, praising the forward’s versatility and big-game experience.
Villa’s European Push Continues Without Rashford
As for Aston Villa, Emery’s team will have to regroup quickly. With only four Premier League matches remaining, Villa are still in the hunt for a Europa League or even a Champions League spot depending on final results.
Rashford’s absence will be felt, but Villa still boast attacking talents like Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Moussa Diaby who must step up to carry the scoring burden in the final stretch.
Villa fans will be hoping Rashford’s time in claret and blue is not remembered for a premature end but for the electrifying spark he brought during crucial months of the campaign.
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