Massive Injury Blow for United as Christian Eriksen Ruled Out for 3 Months

According to latest reports in England, Manchester United ace Christian Eriksen will be out for a few months after suffering a crushing ankle injury. The Danish midfielder sustained the injury during the club’s FA Cup victory against Reading.

Christian Eriksen has been instrumental for Erik ten Hag’s side since moving to Old Trafford on a free transfer in the summer. He has glued the Manchester United midfield with his exceptional technical and passing abilities.

The Dane just returned to playing regularly last season after suffering a near-fatal cardiac arrest on the pitch while playing for Denmark in Euro 2020. He has already made 31 appearances in the red shirt, scoring 2 goals and assisting 9 times (stats via Transfermarkt).

Christian Eriksen in pain after the challenge from Andy Carroll, Manchester United, Eriksen injury — Image Obtained Via Sky Sports

According to a statement released on Manchester United’s official website, Christian Eriksen has suffered an injury on his ankle and will be sidelined for at least three months, till late April or early May. He might only return for the closing stages of the season.

The 30-year-old midfielder took a heavy challenge from Andy Carroll when United faced Reading in their FA Cup fixture a week ago. The fans are certainly not happy after hearing the news of his injury, considering his consistency since he arrived at the club.

This is what Manchester United had to say in their statement on their official website:

“While investigations are continuing, initial assessments indicate that Eriksen is likely to be out until late April or early May. The 30-year-old’s absence will be a big disappointment to manager Erik ten Hag and fans, given the consistency of his performances throughout the season so far, making 31 appearances since arriving at Old Trafford. However, there is hope that Christian can return in time to play a role in the final stages of the campaign. We all wish Christian the best of luck for a speedy recovery.”

It is a serious loss for United as they have to play a Carabao Cup final in February, and will also have to face Barcelona in the round of 16 fixture of the Europa League in his absence. The Dane has 7 assists in the Premier League and is second only to Kevin De Bruyne who has 11 assists in the league (stats via Premier League).

Manchester United confirm that Christian Eriksen will be out until at least late April with an ankle injury pic.twitter.com/MG27biTpWO

— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 31, 2023

How Have Manchester United Reacted After Losing Christian Eriksen To A Long-term Injury?

The Red Devils recently completed the signing of Marcel Sabitzer on deadline day on loan from Bayern Munich till the end of the season. The Austrian midfielder has struggled repeatedly to get into the starting lineup at Bayern. However, he has been in regular action as a substitute. The lack of starting opportunities is down to the immense competition in the Bundesliga side.

Sabitzer plays in the same position as Christian Eriksen and could slot in perfectly. The fans have not forgotten Sabitzer’s contribution to the success of RB Leipzig. This move will also give the 28-year-old midfielder a chance to prove himself in the Premier League, even though the deal does not include a buy option.

The Austrian will provide different attributes to United’s game than that of Eriksen. He is a better option when it comes to physical or aerial duels and also while defending. He has been part of a counter-pressing side during his days with RB Leipzig and knows how and when to press the opposition.

Additionally, the 28-year-old midfielder can also launch passes to the forward line or switch the flanks. He can provide a better work rate than the Danish midfielder along with decent passing abilities.

However, Marcel Sabitzer’s best attribute is his long shots. It is as if he can take a shot from anywhere inside the attacking third and the ball will end up in the back of the net.

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