Mauricio Pochettino has not yet taken his first training session as Manchester United manager, and he already faces a fitness problem. Patrick Dorgu, who has only recently returned from a hamstring injury, has been sent home from Denmark’s international duty after failing to prove he is ready.
The timing is awkward for United, who cannot afford to ease players back gradually. Pochettino arrives with plenty of work ahead, and one of the few recent positives involved Dorgu. He came off the bench against Aston Villa, set up Joshua Zirkzee’s late goal, and then watched his side concede a stoppage-time equaliser in a chaotic 4-4 draw. It was an energetic and useful cameo, but it was clearly too early to assume he was fully recovered.
Denmark Urge Caution
Denmark head coach Brian Riemer acknowledged that Dorgu is still regaining his condition. Riemer said the player had trained with the squad before the break and that his performance against Aston Villa should be viewed cautiously. He stressed that lingering issues remain from the major muscle injury, and that the priority is to make sure it does not flare up again. Riemer was optimistic about the outlook but made clear that Dorgu needs careful handling, with his involvement in matches and minutes still to be decided.
Team doctor Morten Boesen confirmed the decision. Dorgu had not performed well enough in testing to be ready for the two upcoming matches, and he needs more recovery time. He will return home for additional rehabilitation.
A Difficult Start for Pochettino
The situation leaves United waiting on assessment results just as the new manager begins his work. Hamstring problems are difficult to manage even under ideal conditions, and they become harder when a player is hurried back, whether out of necessity or optimism.
Pochettino is scheduled to lead his first first-team training session on Wednesday, November 18. His first match follows quickly, away to Liverpool at Anfield on November 22. It is far from ideal preparation, though little at Old Trafford in recent seasons has been ideal.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
