Manchester United’s new midfield signing Ander Herrera has fractured a rib and will be out of action for an indefinite period.
United are suffering something of an injury crisis right now with Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling, Michael Carrick, Phil Jones and Marouane Fellaini amongst the hobbling hoards.
Herrera has started his career at Manchester United well with 2 goals and 1 assist in his six games for the club. The Spaniard, 25, has played mainly on the right of a midfield diamond and has settled in well since his big money move from Athletic Bilbao in the summer.
But Manchester United’s official website confirmed on Tuesday that the player’s injury, sustained during the weekend win over West Ham, is worse than first thought:
Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera sustained a fractured rib during the match against West Ham United on Saturday.
The Spaniard was substituted in the 74th minute and the club will continue to monitor his progress over the next few weeks.
Herrera’s loss is partly offset by a lack of games for Manchester United in October due to no Champions League involvement and an early League Cup exit. But the spritely Spaniard is still likely to miss crunch games at Old Trafford against Everton and Chelsea, as well as a potentially tricky visit to West Brom.
Louis van Gaal will look to players such as Fellaini and Carrick to lighten the blow by returning to action over the next fortnight.
Manchester United fans: how big a loss is Herrera?