Manchester United have been dealt a major blow as it has emerged that midfielder Christian Eriksen will be sidelined for several months with an ankle injury sustained against Readin in the FA Cup fourth round.
The Dane was forced off after a challenge from Reading forward Andy Carroll just before the hour mark, and the fears that it could be a serious injury have been confirmed by the club today, who suggest that he could be out until May with the issue.
“While investigations continue, assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May”, they wrote.
“However, there is hope that Christian can return in time to play a role in the final stages of the season”
Eriksen has become a key cog in the United side since joining over the summer, starting 18 of his side’s 19 Premier League games this season, and has complemented Casemiro excellently in the heart of the midfield engine room.
However, Erik ten Hag has poured cold water on any rumours linking them with a replacement for the Dane before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.
“We have players in the midfield, good players, players who can fill the gap”
Despite this, the Telegraph report that United are scouring the market for a potential loan opportunity before the end of the day.
As it stands, midfield options for the Red Devils are looking thin, with Fred and Scott McTominay the only established alternatives to Eriksen in what is set to be a very congested fixture list. Lisandro Martinez has also played in defensive midfield before, but Erik ten Hag has previously explained that he doesn’t see the Argentine as a long term solution.
