Manchester United wonderkid Alejandro Garnacho has admitted he is set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury against Southampton at the weekend.
The teenager was hurt by a sliding tackle from Kyle Walker-Peters inside the area, after coming on as a substitute in the second half of the stalemate, with the Reds down to 10 men following Casemiro’s red card.
The 18-year-old winger, who has broken into the first team this season, limped off in United’s 0-0 draw against Saints on Sunday after a firm but fair sliding tackle from Kyle Walker-Peters.
Garnacho, who had come on as a substitute in the 73rd minute, seemed in agony on the Old Trafford pitch after the challenge on 82 minutes but played on for a further eight before being taken off in the final minute.
After the match, Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag insisted his starlet’s injury was not ‘too bad’.
But the talented teenager took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to confirm he is withdrawing from the Argentina squad for their international double header later this month.
Garnacho, who was pictured leaving Old Trafford on crutches and with his right leg in a protective boot, will now miss Albiceleste friendlies against Panama and Curacao on March 23 and 28 respectively.
Dutchman Ten Hag had said: ‘He was limping a little bit after a bad tackle so in the end I thought I would bring on another striker as we were already downsized to 10 men (after Casemiro’s red card). I don’t think it’s (the injury) too bad.’
Varane and Garnacho show support for Walker-Peters
Saints defender Walker-Peters has already wished Garnacho a speedy recovery on social media, yet he was shockingly targeted by vile racist abuse on social media after the game. The club accused Instagram of allowing ‘hatred to breed and fester’ as police investigate the messages sent to the full-back.
The two Reds sent classy messages via Instagram, after the Southampton player was the victim of vile racist abuse.
“It is difficult to put into words how I’m feeling right now,” Garnacho said.
“Unfortunately, I will not be able to help my team and team-mates in the upcoming games, in what is a very important part of the season for us at Manchester United.
“I am disappointed to also miss the opportunity to be with my team-mates of the Argentina national team, in what would have been a great and proud moment for me and my family.
“This is part of football and our profession,” he continued. “However, I am already focused in my recovery. God has taught me to never give up and I will make sure I am back stronger than ever!”
Obviously, it would appear that Garnacho will definitely miss the upcoming games against Real Betis, in the Europa League, and Fulham, in the Emirates FA Cup, in advance of the international break.
United have yet to confirm a timeframe for the exciting youngster’s absence but everybody wishes him well in his recovery.