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.
βWhile investigations continue, assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early Mayβ, they wrote.
βHowever, there is hope that Christian can return in time to play a role in the final stages of the seasonβ
Eriksen has become a key cog in the United side since joining over the summer, starting 18 of his sideβs 19 Premier League games this season, and has complemented Casemiro excellently in the heart of the midfield engine room.
1st September 2022; The King Power Stadium, Leicester, Leicestershire, England; Premier League Football, Leicester City versus Manchester United; Christian Eriksen of Manchester United 2JTTTC7 1st September 2022; The King Power Stadium, Leicester, Leicestershire, England; Premier League Football, Leicester City versus Manchester United; Christian Eriksen of Manchester United (Alamy Stock Photo)
However, Erik ten Hag has poured cold water on any rumours linking them with a replacement for the Dane before tonightβs 11pm transfer deadline.
βWe have players in the midfield, good players, players who can fill the gapβ
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 doesnβt see the Argentine as a long term solution.