Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen has been sidelined until late April at the earliest with a suspected ankle injury.
The club released a statement this morning confirming the news after he was on the end of a shockingly late tackle from Andy Carroll in United’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Reading.
Eriksen was forced off in the second half and was pictured leaving the stadium on crutches which placed fear among fans.
United’s statement on the situation reads: “While investigations are continuing, initial assessments indicate that Christian is likely to be out until April or early May.
“Christian’s absence will be a big disappointment to Erik Ten Hag and fans given the consistency of his performances so far this season.”
There is however, slight optimism that the Danish midfielder will play some form of role towards the end of the season.
In recent hours, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United have approached Bayern Munich over the potential loan signing of Marcel Sabitzer.
In his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag revealed that United are ‘unlikely’ to sign any form of replacement on the final day of the January transfer window.
“Something on deadline day is difficult and you cannot make a policy on bad injuries. We have players in the midfield department, good players, ones that can fill the gap.
“Every player has their own characteristics, identity, another player will fill the gap in a different way, but it does not mean we will have to be less successful.”
United now have just three fit first-team midfielders in Casemiro, Fred and Bruno Fernandes, Ten Hag discussed the partnership between the Brazilian’s: “They play together with Brazil, that is not the worst squad in the world, they have so many options (Brazil) but they play together and that tells me about Fred’s quality and what he can contribute.”
Eriksen has been United’s most used player this season with the 30 year-old playing more than 30 games this season.
It is no secret that the Dane will be sorely missed and his absence could seriously damage United’s potential this season.
