Mason Greenwood withdraws from England U-21 team with injury

Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood has been forced to resign from England’s under-21 team after picking up a back sprain, according to a Monday news release from the club.

Greenwood, who had been given the promotion by manager Aidy Boothroyd for matches against Slovenia and Austria, will now spend that time nursing his injury at the Aon Training Complex in preparation for United’s next Premier League clash against Liverpool on October 20. The 18-year-old did play in Sunday’s 1-0 loss against Newcastle, coming off the bench to replace Juan Mata in the 66th minute.

At this point, United’s injury list appears longer than their roster of healthy players. Joining the youngster sidelined from play are Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, Jesse Lingard, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelöf, Phil Jones, Diogo Dalot, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Midfielder Paul Pogba’s ankle issues linger; however, the Frenchman posted a video to his Instagram Monday powering through a stationary bicycle workout in Dubai, possibly hinting at a return to form.

Greenwood made his U-21 debut in the 3-2 victory over Turkey on September 9 and his senior debut for the Red Devils in the memorable 3-1 victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League knockout rounds in March. His first senior goal for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side came on September 19 with the only strike in a 1-0 victory over Astana in the Europa League group stages.