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Why Solskjaer is saying Lukaku is injured despite Man Utd star being fit to play
MANCHESTER UNITED hitman Romelu Lukaku is reportedly fit to play against Tottenham today, despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ruling him out of the pre-season clash.
Man Utd: Solskjaer gives injury update ahead of Spurs friendly
On Wednesday morning, Manchester United chief Solskjaer claimed the Belgium international will miss today’s match in Shanghai due to injury.
However, according to The Sun, the former Chelsea man is fit to play.
They claim the 26-year-old - who has missed United’s three other pre-season matches - is fit enough to feature in the Red Devils’ pre-season tour but the club have decided not to play him and risk him picking up an injury.
That’s on account of the fact they’re trying to offload the £75million man this summer.
Inter Milan are keen on signing the Belgian, with manager Antonio Conte a big fan of the forward.
The Italians have already had a £55million bid rejected by United, who want to recoup as much of the £75million they splashed out in July 2017.
Former Chelsea man Gianfranco Zola believes Lukaku would be a good fit at the San Siro and has urged Conte to sign the striker.
“In addition to the purchases already made, I read that Lukaku could also arrive [at Inter Milan],’ Zola told FC Inter News.
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly fit to play for Manchester United
“He would certainly be a player of great impact, he has the right characteristics to play under Conte and he is a striker who, coming from the Premier League, could find so many advantages in Italy.
“At the physical and athletic level, the Premier League prepares you really well right now and I am sure he can have a big impact in the Italian championship.”
Lukaku is understood to be keen to end his Old Trafford stay and has reportedly told Solskjaer he wants to leave this summer.
The former Everton ace has been struggling with an ankle injury but has been working with club doctors to get himself back to full fitness.
Man United: Lukaku sits out of pre-season training
“Lukaku won't be fit, no,” Solskjaer said. “He has been working with a physio the last few days so I don't think he will make this one, no.
"He got injured in training. It is not too bad, if it was worse we would have sent him home.
“Of course it’s never nice to be a player who misses out on important fitness work but also team building work, understanding, tactical approach.
“He’ll just have to make that up later on.”