Erik ten Hag has confirmed that Alejandro Garnacho will be out for “weeks”, but has revealed that the Manchester United winger will return to play before the end of the season despite picking up an injury against Southampton.
Garnacho was pictured leaving Old Trafford in a protective boot after a challenge from Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters in Sunday’s equalizer, which leaves United two points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham with one game to go.
The 18-year-old’s absence adds to manager Erik ten Hag’s selection woes after it was confirmed Casemiro would miss the next four domestic games through suspension due to receiving his second red card of the season against Southampton.
Speaking ahead of Man Utd’s Europa League round of 16 second leg with Real Betis on Thursday, Ten Hag said: “I can’t say exactly [when he will be back]. It will take weeks. It is a serious injury and not even a foul.
“Once again, after Christian Eriksen, we have a serious injury after contact.
Anthony is sick. We have options and we’ll see tomorrow. Have [Anthony] Elanga, Bruno [Fernandes] and movie [Facundo Pellistri].
“It’s not a good decision. It’s hard to make a quick diagnosis. I saw him limping and that’s why I removed him.”
He added: “He will be back before the end of the season. We need to get him back as soon as possible and hopefully he will be ready.”
Injured Garnacho will miss a ‘very important’ period for Man Utd
Garnacho had to leave the Argentina squad due to the international break, which means the teenager will definitely not be available for United’s matches against Real Betis and Fulham.
“It’s hard to put into words how I feel right now,” Garnacho wrote in a post on Instagram.
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to help my team and teammates in the upcoming games in what is a very important part of the season for us at Manchester United.
“I am disappointed to also lose the opportunity to be with my teammates from the Argentina National Team in what would have been a great moment of pride for me and my family.
“This is part of soccer and our profession, however, I am already focused on my recovery. God has taught me to never give up and I will make sure to come back stronger than ever!”
“We have only played one game this season with the full squad”
Christian Eriksen has not played since January after suffering an ankle ligament injury in a 3-1 win over Reading.
Garnacho’s injury has added to Manchester United’s problems ahead of Thursday’s Europa League game against Real Betis.
Garnacho, Antony and Anthony Martial have not traveled with the squad to Spain, while Eriksen and Donny van de Beek have been absent for a longer time.
Casemiro was sent off in the draw against Southampton but his four-game ban only affects domestic games so he has traveled to face Betis, as have Marcel Sabitzer and Victor Lindelof after missing the Saints game.
Ten Hag’s men headed to Spain with a three-goal lead having won the first leg of this round of 16 tie 4-1 at Old Trafford last Thursday, and before the game the Dutchman lamented the lucky for his team with injuries this season, but he insisted. he would present as strong a team as possible against Manuel Pellegrini’s team.
He said: “I think we’ve only had one game where we’ve had the full squad available. It was against Man City at home and that’s the only time in the season.
Antony is ruled out of Man Utd’s clash with Real Betis due to illness
“Every other time in the season we have had a player suspended, injured or absent due to illness.
He added: “He is always serious and we will play with our best team. We have to put together a team that can adapt during the game.”
“We know our opponent can, as they have very good players. We have to be ready to fight with them.”
And about the demanding schedule on his side, he said: “We can handle.
“We have players who can recover well between games. We’re in touch with the doctor and performance about what the players can handle.”
“We can mix it up. When we get to the final stages of the season, we can bring our best team.”
Is Casemiro red for seeing the return of ‘McFred’?
Declan Olley from Sky Sports:
Casemiro’s sending off in the goalless draw against Southampton has given Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag a real headache in midfield.
The Brazilian will miss the next four domestic matches due to injuries to fellow midfielders Christian Eriksen, Marcel Sabitzer and Donny van de Beek.
Bruno Fernandes started in midfield alongside Casemiro against Saints, but the Portugal international struggled in a deeper role as he lost possession 28 times, the most of any player in the match.
It’s a performance that will leave Ten Hag unconvinced that Fernandes can operate efficiently in midfield two.
Scott McTominay was preferred over Fred in Casemiro’s absence, as the Scotsman was brought on by Ten Hag just before halftime, and he performed well.
McTominay won the most duels (10) of any United player, and also made four tackles and four clearances, no United player had more.
Casemiro is consoled by his teammate Antony after being sent off
So could Ten Hag be forced to restore the ‘McFred’ midfield partnership?
The Dutchman said he will “consider overnight” how to play without Casemiro for the FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham and Premier League games against Newcastle (A), Brentford (H) and Everton (H). ).
Whatever he does, it will be a huge test for his team, which has relied heavily on the experienced 31-year-old this season.
United have a 43 per cent win rate in the seven games they’ve been without him, compared to a 76 per cent win rate in the 37 games they’ve played.
His absence is costly at a crucial moment in the campaign.
