Christian Eriksen has been ruled out until April at the earliest after being sent off in Manchester United’s FA Cup win over Reading.
The midfielder, caught by a tackle from Andy Carroll, left Old Trafford on crutches after the 3-1 win on Saturday and now looks set to miss a significant part of United’s run-in.
“While investigations continue, initial assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May,” Man Utd said on their official website.
The 30-year-old has been a key figure under Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag this season, registering seven assists and scoring once in 19 Premier League appearances.
Ten Hag: Fred and Casemiro a good partnership – but Eriksen’s quality will be missed in final third
Eriksen has been one of Man Utd’s best builders this season
Speaking at a press conference ahead of United’s Carabao Cup semi-final second leg with Nottingham Forest, Ten Hag explained he had options to cover for Eriksen’s absence – but said admitted that it would be difficult to replace the Dane’s quality in the attacking areas.
“He’s disappointed and we’re disappointed, but it happens in top-flight football. You have to deal with it,” Ten Hag said.
“We have players in midfield, good players, who can fill the void. Each player has his own characteristics and identity. Eriksen brings the best quality to our team and some characteristics are difficult to replace, for example his quality in the last third.”
Fred looks set to replace Eriksen in midfield
Asked if Fred is playing a key role as United look to replace Eriksen, Ten Hag said: “Fred is playing with Casemiro in the Brazil team, they’re not the worst team in the world!
“They have so many choices they can make but they prefer to play them together. Fred can bring a lot to the team. He has a lot of qualities and I think Casemiro and Fred are a good partnership.”
Carragher: A blow but Man Utd still in the top four
Eriksen is expected to miss at least three months of the season
Reacting to current events, sky sports Specialist Jamie Carragher said Eriksen would be a failure for United given the impact he had in the middle of the park for them, but suggested they have the cover to maintain the momentum that has them propelled into the Champions League qualifying places.
“It’s a blow because midfield has been the biggest turnaround for Man Utd this season, with Casemiro there, Eriksen alongside him and Bruno Fernandes in front of them,” Carragher said. “Fred and Scott McTominay have been much maligned over the past two years. A lot of things have been tough. Fred alongside Casemiro – you’re talking about Brazil’s central midfielder.
“But Man Utd aren’t going to win the league and I don’t think they’re going to fall out of the top four, so it’s not going to affect them massively in terms of where they finish this season, there’s too big of a gap between them, Arsenal and Man City [and the rest].”
Carroll’s tackle in pictures
Carroll rushes Eriksen
Carroll makes contact with the left leg
Eriksen squeezes his ankle
Man Utd fixtures until end of April
Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest – Carabao Cup, February 1 – live sky sports
Man Utd vs Crystal Palace – Premier League, February 4
Man Utd vs Leeds – Premier League, February 8
Leeds vs Man Utd – Premier League, February 12 – live sky sports
Barcelona vs Man Utd – Europa League, February 16
Man Utd vs Leicester – Premier League, February 19 – live sky sports
Man Utd vs Barcelona – Europa League, February 23
Man Utd vs Brentford – Premier League, February 26
Man Utd vs West Ham – FA Cup, March 1
Liverpool vs Man Utd – Premier League, March 5
Man Utd v Southampton – Premier League, March 11
Brighton v Man Utd – Premier League, March 19
Newcastle vs Man Utd – Premier League, April 1
Man Utd vs Everton – Premier League, April 8
Nottingham Forest v Man Utd – Premier League, April 15
Man Utd vs Chelsea – Premier League, April 22
Tottenham vs Man Utd – Premier League, April 25
Man Utd vs Aston Villa – Premier League, April 29