Solskjaer hints Lindelof may need a back operation after Man Utd defender substituted against Leicester

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Solskjaer hints Lindelof may need a back operation after Man Utd defender substituted against Leicester image

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has hinted Victor Lindelof may require an operation in a bid to remedy a back problem.

The Sweden defender has been nursing a back problem for some time, and went off injured just after the hour mark of the 2-2 draw with Leicester on Boxing Day.

With games coming in rapid fashion, there is no time for players to have any rest and Solskjaer has suggested intervention may be required in a bid to get the defender back to full fitness.

“He is struggling with his back,” Solskjaer told BT Sport . “He has been struggling for a little while so we might have to do something. Let’s see what it is.”

United twice led at the King Power Stadium through Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, but Harvey Barnes and an Axel Tuanzebe own goal denied the Red Devils three points.

Solskjaer felt his side should have taken the three points, and was disappointed with their failure to convert the chances created.

“Of course I was disappointed not to win,” the Norwegian said. “We had loads of chances and could have finished it off but they are a dangerous side.”

Rashford’s goal, which was a milestone moment , came after he missed a gilt-edged chance when heading over from six yards, but his manager felt it was unfortunate the England man did not score.

“It was a good goal,” Solskjaer said of Rashford’s finish. “He knows the first chance is a glorious one. It seems like he finished his header before the ball arrived. Just one of those things.”

United go to the well again on Tuesday with a home meeting with Wolves, and Solskjaer feels the extra day’s rest could work to their advantage.

“We have a game in three days; we have an extra recovery day which we will use wisely,” he said.

Reflecting on the draw that leaves them in third, a point behind Leicester, Solskjaer said: "One point is not the best but it is not the worst as this is a very good side we came up against.”

The Red Devils have 27 points, four adrift of leaders and defending champions Liverpool - with both having played 14 games.

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