Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Marucs Rashford's injury is worse than Manchester United originally feared as the timetable for the forward's return has come into question.
Rashford first picked up the knock against Wolves in the FA Cup third-round replay when he came on as a second half substitute but was forced off after just 15 minutes on the pitch.
Solskjaer later revealed that Rashford would be out for at least six weeks due to a double stress fracture in his back, keeping the England star out of action for a vital part of the season although there was hope he'd return in time to join England's squad for Euro 2020 preparation.
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And, despite previously being hopeful of the forward's return, Solskjaer says Rashford may not be back before the end of the campaign while casting doubt on the his availability for this summer's international tournament.
“I would hope he can play again this season. It'll just be touch and go towards the end. Hopefully we can get through this tournament (Europa League) and prolong the season,” Solskjaer said.
“It takes time, I’m not a doctor. I was hoping he would recover quicker than what it looks like he’s going to be out for. Another few months definitely.
“If he’s not fit enough he won’t go [to the Euros].”
He added: “He had a scan and it was maybe more severe than what we hoped and expected. He felt fine a few days before that.
“I didn’t know it takes that long to recover. When it heals he will be stronger for it so it’s important we don’t rush it.”
Rashford was a vital piece of Solskjaer's Man Utd attack prior to his injury as the Englishman scored 14 goals in 22 Premier League matches.
In response to the forward's injury, United brought in Odion Ighalo on loan in January to offer Solskjaer another option up top.
Following Thursday's match against Club Brugge, the Red Devils face Watford on Sunday before facing off with the Belgian side once again on February 27 as part of a busy schedule.
“It has a big impact, two days recovery is not a lot. We had to prepare for this spell coming up. We have seven games in 21 days starting on Monday and ending against City,” he said.
“We have a big squad and we have 19 here. A couple of youngsters haven’t travelled. I’ve got to make not too many changes but enough to keep consistency and we want players feeling part of the team.
“Ideally you would want to get a game on a Saturday before a Thursday but we can’t complain, it is what it is. I just mentioned it [after the Chelsea game] because it’s not the best of preparation. These boys are brilliant and just get on with it. They’re young and fresh and recover quickly.”
