Christian Eriksen is set for at least three months out of action after suffering an ankle injury resulting from Andy Carroll’s reckless lunge on Saturday.
The Manchester United midfielder suffered the issue after Carroll scissor tackled him from behind in the 3-1 FA Cup win and he was later seen leaving Old Trafford on crutches.
Scan results have confirmed United’s fears that the playmaker will face a long lay-off.
United are hugely upset by the incident and released a statement on the club’s website. It read: ‘Manchester United midfielder Christian Eriksen is expected to be out of action for an extended period because of an ankle injury sustained in our Emirates FA Cup victory over Reading on Saturday.
‘Our Danish midfielder was withdrawn in the second half of the 3-1 win, after being caught by a tackle from Reading striker Andy Carroll, who was later sent off for two bookable offences.’
The club retain hope that he could play again before the end of the season and his return is likely to come in late April or early May if rehabilitation goes to plan.
Andy Carroll, who was sent off for Reading in the 3-1 FA Cup win for United, was the man to catch Eriksen in a nasty challenge.
It was immediately clear that damage had been done as Eriksen yelled in pain and was later seen departing the ground using crutches and wearing a protective boot.