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It looks like the international break came at just the right time for Manchester United with their injury problems on the rise.
Alejandro Garnacho, who played the full 90 minutes of the goalless draw against Aston Villa on Sunday, was supposed to fly to the US for Argentina’s South American Qualifiers against Venezuela and Bolivia.
But he has been removed from the squad due to “physical problems” as revealed by TyC Sports. The Argentina FA, after consultation with United, decided to take this step.
Fans will have seen the young winger playing in recent games with strapping around his knee and both sides have decided that rest and recuperation are of more importance at this stage.
Garnacho injury
“The young winger, who is having a great season in England, was removed from the squad by Lionel Scaloni and will not travel to Miami, where the Albiceleste team is located.
“He has been suffering from discomfort in his knee since the last few days, and the Manchester United medical team recommended not to take any risks to take advantage of this break in the season to recover and rest.”
Scaloni also felt that a half-fit Garnacho would not be of much help and thus, the 20-year-old can focus on recovery and getting his scoring boots back on.
The academy graduate had started the season on fire, scoring four times in the first six games of the season. Since then, he has struggled to find the back of the net.
🚨🇦🇷 Alejandro Garnacho will not play for Argentina in this international break due to discomforts.
Scaloni will remove Garnacho from the list as TyC Sports informed; Manchester United staff will assess Alejandro soon. pic.twitter.com/EkplWTj3aO
— Fabrizio Romano October 7, 2024
That might have been as a consequence of the knee injury. Erik ten Hag could have afforded the FA Youth Cup winner some rest but owing to the pressure surrounding his own future, he was forced to use him.
Apart from the Argentina international, United are also sweating on the fitness of Harry Maguire and Noussair Mazraoui, both of whom suffered injuries at Villa Park.
The England international was visibly struggling towards the end of the first half and did not reappear, with the manager bringing on Matthijs de Ligt in his place.
The Moroccan, who has been ever-present since his summer move, was also removed for Victor Lindelof to make his first appearance of the season.
Maguire, Mazraoui injury
The former club captain was even seen leaving the ground in a protective boot. When asked about their injury situation, Ten Hag told MUTV, “We have to assess this [Mazraoui and Maguire injuries].”
“I can’t tell you now what the issue is. I know what the issue is but [I cannot say now] how good or bad it is. We have to assess this tomorrow [Monday] and then we will bring you news.”
The Old Trafford side are already without Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount and can ill-afford more injuries after what had transpired last season.
The 20-time English league champions will have to contend with seven games in a congested period between the October international break and the November one and they need all hands on deck to salvage their season.
Ten Hag’s future is set to be discussed by INEOS during the break and a huge decision could yet be taken with the names of plenty of potential replacements doing the rounds.
Feature image Harriet Lander via Getty Images
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