Super Eagles forward Emmanuel Dennis has been ruled out of Club Brugge’s Europa League last-32 return leg against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday.

The 22-year-old forward picked up an injury in Club Brugge’s match against Royal Charleroi on Sunday and has failed to recover in time for the trip to England.

Dennis scored the Belgian side’s goal in the 1-1 first-leg stalemate but will be missing as Brugges seek an unlikely victory against the Red Devils.

His absence is a severe blow to Brugge’s chances and also robs the Nigerian who is reportedly a summer transfer target for United the opportunity of impressing in front of Red Devils fans at Old Trafford.

United for whom new signing Odion Ighalo could make his first start, will, however, relish the loss of the player who wreaked havoc against Real Madrid with a brace at the Santiago Bernabeu in the group stage of this season’s Champions League.

Dennis has scored nine times and weighed in with two assists in 33 appearances for Club Brugge in all competitions.

Brugge’s other Nigerian forward David Okereke is expected to replace his compatriot in the lineup on Thursday.