Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Odion Ighalo will be included in Manchester United ‘s squad to face Chelsea next Monday.

Ighalo signed for the Red Devils on a six-month loan deal from Shanghai Shenhua on deadline day, realising a life-long dream within the process.

The Nigeria international didn’t join his new team-mates in Marbella for the club’s warm-weather training camp, however, because of considerations over the coronavirus outbreak in
China .

The 30-year-old has been undertaking fitness sessions with performance coach Wayne Richardson in Manchester instead, whereas additionally working alongside great Britain’s Olympic Taekwondo team.

Richardson has been impressed by Ighalo’s expertness, describing the striker as a “good, honest athlete” who won’t be bothered by the weight of expectations at old Trafford.

Solskjaer has currently disclosed that Ighalo could be in line to make his debut against Chelsea, insisting he will be brought up to speed by the club’s fitness workers over following few days.

“Yeah, he’s going to travel with us. we’ll just see his fitness work in the week and that i assume we’ll get him sharp,” Solskjaer told United’s
official web site.

“We want to integrate him as quickly as we are able to because, of course, he is eager to play for us.”

When asked how the remainder of the squad have been progressing in Spain throughout the Premier League’s winter break, Solskjaer responded: “Yeah, it’s extremely good. i feel the boys enjoyed a break, they needed a break, however currently they’re back, focused and they are working well.

“Of course with the weather back home as well, this has been an even bigger and for us. Being in Europe, because the travel is not too far, is also a good point because we do not have too many days before we’ve got to travel back and get prepared for Chelsea.”

United are in dire would like of a victory at Stamford Bridge next week, having already fallen six points behind their rivals within the race for the final Champions League spot.

Ex-goalkeeper Mark Bosnich, who took in 2 separate spells at Old Trafford over the course of his career, believes United’s top-four hopes are over if they lose against Chelsea , however he thinks €55 million (£47m/£60m) signing Bruno Fernandes might end up being the difference between the 2 sides.

Fernandes signed for United from Sporting CP during the January window, and produced a powerful debut show during a 0-0 draw against Wolves on February one.

After their latest Premier League outing, the Red Devils will flip their attention to a Europa League last thirty two first-leg meeting with Club Brugge in Belgium.