Alejandro Garnacho’s ankle injury ‘is worse than initially feared’, with the Man United star now ‘on the verge of missing Argentina’s double header this month’ after he left Southampton on crutches… despite Erik ten Hag insisting it wasn’t ‘that bad’
Manchester United wunderkind kid Alejandro Garnacho’s ankle injury is worse than expected, according to reports in Argentina.
The 18-year-old winger, who broke into the first team this season, limped off United’s 0-0 draw against Southampton after a firm but fair tackle from Kyle Walker-Peters.
Garnacho, who had come on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, seemed to be dying on the Old Trafford pitch after coming on in the 82nd minute, but went on to play eight more before being pulled off at the last minute.
After the game, Red Devils coach Erik ten Hag insisted that his star’s injury was “not that serious.”
But the Argentine television channel T&C Sports Garnacho’s hit is reported to be worse than initially feared and means he will miss out on the national team double this month.
Man United star Alejandro Garnacho’s ankle injury is worse than first feared, reports say
Garnacho, 18, left Old Trafford on crutches after the 0-0 draw against Southampton on Sunday
He was replaced after his right ankle was caught by Kyle Walker-Peters’ sliding challenge.
Manager Erik ten Hag had said the injury was “not that serious” immediately after the final whistle.
They claim he underwent medical tests on Tuesday that show the injury is severe enough to rule him out of friendlies against Panama and Curacao on March 23 and 28, respectively.
The talented teenager Garnacho was photographed leaving Old Trafford on crutches with his right leg in a protective boot.
Dutchman Ten Hag later said he believed the ankle injury was just a sprain and that he withdrew Garnacho as a precaution.
He said: “I was limping a bit after a bad tackle so in the end I thought about bringing in another striker as we were down to 10 men (after Casemiro’s red card). I don’t think it’s (the injury). too serious.
Alejandro’s brother, Roberto, posted a photo of his injured brother on social media with the caption: “I know you will come back stronger.”
World Cup champions Argentina, led by Lionel Scaloni, are said to be patient with the injury and will see how it develops before deciding whether to drop Garnacho from the squad.
Saints defender Walker-Peters was subjected to vile racist abuse on social media after the game.
The club accused Instagram of allowing “hate to grow and fester” as police investigate messages sent to the winger after the goalless draw.