‘worse than expected’ – Return Date Announced – Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag give Latest Garnacho injury update

Manchester United has been stunned by the news that Alejandro Garnacho’s injury in Sunday’s stalemate with Southampton was worse than first thought.

Garnacho, 18, has made a major impression since bursting into Erik ten Hag’s first-team picture this season, earning his first senior international call-up for Argentina last week.

The talented teenager was seen suffering after sustaining a hefty tackle from Kyle Walker-Peters during United’s dismal 0-0 draw with Southampton at the weekend. And it appears that Garnacho, who was spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches, will be sidelined for some time as a result of the incident.

Garnacho was sent for tests on the injury, according to TYC Sports, and it looks that the youngster’s ailment is worse than first thought. The source does not specify a timetable, but it does state that Garnacho is now anticipated to miss Argentina’s forthcoming international matches.

Garnacho was in line for his first senior cap after opting to represent Argentina rather than Spain. He had hoped to make Lionel Scaloni’s World Cup roster before the tournament began in November, but he did not make the cut.

Despite not making the world champions’ roster, Garnacho has had a breakout season at the club level. He has made 29 appearances in all competitions for United, scoring four goals and tallying five assists, and has established himself as a fan favorite.

The winger, who came on late in the second half of Sunday’s game to replace Jadon Sancho, had only been on the field for a few minutes before being scythed down by Walker-Peters. Given that United was already down to ten men following Casemiro’s punishment, Ten Hag took no chances and withdrew the teenager in added time after he was seen fighting to shake off the consequences of the tackle.

Yet the Dutchman was keen to play down fears over Garnacho’s fitness in the immediate aftermath of Sunday’s contest when he stated that he didn’t think the winger’s ailment was “that bad”.

“He was limping a little bit after the bad tackle,” Ten Hag stated. Finally, they brought in another striker, a big and tall one [Paul Onuachu], and I don’t want to take any chances because we were already down to 10 [players].

“I didn’t want to go with players who were only [90%] committed. That’s why I called him off, although I don’t believe it’s too horrible.”

If Garnacho’s injury prevents him from playing for a lengthy period of time, the youngster’s season could be over. Manchester United is still in the FA Cup and the Europa League after little under two months of the current season. Last month, the Red Devils broke a six-year trophy drought by winning the Carabao Cup final.