Ole Gunnar Solskjaer optimistic over Paul Pogba's fitness for Tottenham match after Dubai training return

Tuesday 8 January 2019 21:32, UK

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is optimistic Paul Pogba will prove his fitness in time for Manchester United's Renault Super Sunday fixture at Tottenham.

Solskjaer has won all five of his fixtures since taking charge on an interim basis following the sacking of Jose Mourinho last month and has described the trip to Wembley to face Spurs as his first "proper test".

Pogba missed United's FA Cup victory against Reading on Saturday because of a knock sustained against Newcastle last week, but has since joined up with the club's warm weather training camp in Dubai to hand a boost to the Norwegian caretaker boss.

"Paul has had his knock and has had a few days of treatment back home," Solskjaer said of Pogba, who initially stayed in Manchester for treatment.

"Hopefully, we can get Paul on his feet during this week."

Solskjaer faces a shortage of options in defence for the meeting against Mauricio Pochettino's Spurs, with Marcos Rojo set to be sidelined for longer than anticipated.

The Argentine was sent home to continue his recovery in Manchester, with Solskjaer unable to select Eric Bailly through suspension while Chris Smalling has a sore foot.