Edinson Cavani suffered another injury blow during the international break when the Manchester United attacker was forced off with a calf issue when playing for Uruguay.
The veteran striker failed to last 30 minutes against Chile and could now miss United's Premier League encounter with Leicester on Saturday as the club try to chase down that coveted fourth Champions League qualification spot.
Cavani ’s season has been plagued by injury, having already suffered three separate injuries prior to his latest setback. As a result, the 35-year-old has started just six league matches this term, and has only scored twice.
READ MORE: Cavani, Pogba, Shaw - Manchester United injury latest ahead of Premier League return
That's in stark contrast to last year when he netted 10 league goals as United finished second, and a further six in the Europa League as the club reached the final, as well as one in the League Cup. The former PSG forward sees his Old Trafford contract expire in June and he is expected to bid the club farewell. Under Ralf Rangnick, Cavani has only been a bit-part player — something that Uruguayan great Diego Forlan was puzzled by.
And with the ageing goal-getter in the twilight of his career, he may be wondering whether his time at United is up with uncertainty looming over their next boss and his pre-retirement playing days numbered.
What has Edinson Cavani said about his future at Manchester United?
After signing a one-year extension last year, Cavani said he was eager to “create moments that live in the memory.”
In recent months, he’s stayed coy about his future but in a recent interview with club media admitted: “The day that I have to stop training with the same intensity that I’ve always done, irrespective of how old I am, I think that will be the day that I cease to play football.”
Cavani has not revealed anything outright about his intentions beyond his contract yet, but a number of clubs are said to be enquiring about his availability.
Which clubs have been linked with a move for him?
Among those reportedly interested in a move for the United man is Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid. Any deal with a European side would likely only be short term, especially given Cavani's recent injury record and age. Another La Liga side in Real Sociedad have also been linked.
Therefore, a switch back to South America may be in the pipeline. Brazilian clubs Botafogo and Corinthians are said to be tracking Cavani, and would be more prepared to offer a contract that extends beyond a mere 12 months.
However, both outfits have hit a stumbling block over his wages. The player is reportedly demanding at least £130,000-a-week.
This is a big reduction on his approximate £205,000 weekly wage packet at United but still far two high for clubs of that ilk. That is why Atletico are considered frontrunners in the race for Cavani.
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