ERIK TEN HAG has been left to sweat over the fitness of Christian Eriksen after he was spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches.
Eriksen, 30, was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge from Andy Carroll during the FA Cup clash between Manchester United and Reading on Saturday.
Twitter/@xiw4nChristian Eriksen was filmed leaving Old Trafford on crutches after the game[/caption]
Twitter/@xiw4nHe appears to have suffered an ankle injury[/caption]
Carroll received two yellow cards in the space of five minutes for fouls on Tyrell Malacia and Man of the Match Casemiro.
Fans went online to blast the “crazy” challenges, but it was a scissor kick from behind against Eriksen – which went unpunished – that is set to have the biggest impact.
The Danish international went off in the 57th minute for Fred.
However, Ten Hag and United fans alike will now be sweating over his fitness after Eriksen was spotted leaving Old Trafford on crutches with a suspected ankle injury.
Following the game, Ten Hag said: “It’s always difficult to say so soon after the game finished, but it’s an ankle [injury] and we have to see what the diagnosis is.
“It will be a minimum of 24 hours before we know that, and then I can say more.”
Eriksen, who joined for free in the summer after his short-term contract at Brentford expired, has been a key component of United’s engine room throughout the season.
He has featured in all but one game across all competitions for the club.
BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
But now it seems he could be handed a prolonged absence, which will come as a bitter blow to United with some key fixtures coming up next month.
This includes a Carabao Cup final – should they not lose their three-goal lead over Nottingham Forest – the return of the Europa League and the top four race.
With Donny van de Beek’s season prematurely concluded through injury as well, one might be forgiven for believing United’s midfield could do with some extra cover.
PAHe was on the end of a nasty Andy Carroll challenge[/caption]
ReutersCarroll was given no additional punishment for the foul[/caption]
PAFred replaced Eriksen in the 57th minute[/caption]
Eriksen was key to United getting the ball up the pitch and retaining possession
