Erik ten Hag gives update on when Alejandro Garnacho will return from injury

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says Alejandro Garnacho’s injury is ‘serious’ but he will return before the end of the season.

Manchester United news, exclusives and analysis

Garnacho limped off the pitch just 10 minutes after being subbed on during the goalless draw against Southampton last Sunday, following a challenge with Kyle Walker-Peters.

At the time Ten Hag claimed the ankle injury was ‘not too bad’, but on Tuesday the forward announced that scan results had revealed that it was in fact far worse than previously feared.

The 18-year-old said he will miss United’s games against Real Betis and Fulham, on Thursday and Sunday respectively, as well as Argentina’s upcoming fixtures.

Given how emotional he was about the injury, many thought that Garnacho could be on the sidelines for some time and Ten Hag suggested as much in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

The Dutchman said: ‘I can’t say exactly [when he will be back]. It will take weeks, it is a serious injury.

‘He will be back before the end of the season. We need to get him back as soon as possible and we hope he is ready.

‘It is difficult to make a diagnosis quickly. I saw him limping and that is why I took him off.’

As well as losing Garnacho to injury, the Southampton draw also saw United lose Casemiro to a four-game domestic ban after he was shown a straight red card.

Some felt it was harsh, and Ten Hag was asked about whether he felt referees were being inconsistent with their punishments and were failing to protect players from injuries.

‘Once again, after Christian Eriksen, we have a serious injury after a contact,’ the manager added.

‘We have the injuries and the red cards. We have had some talks with them [the Premier League], yes. It is not about the referee, it is about us; we have to bring our performance and focus on that.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news onFacebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Source: Read Full Article