Not Ayden Heaven: Amorim confirms another brutal injury blow for United ahead of Lyon clash
Manchester United have been dealt a crushing setback ahead of their do-or-die Europa League clash with Lyon on Thursday.
Joshua Zirkzee limped off in agony during the 4-1 hammering by Newcastle United over the weekend, clutching his hamstring in what looked like a serious injury.
He was visibly distressed and had to be substituted in the 55th minute, leaving fans and teammates fearing the worst.
Speaking to the media, United head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed that Zirkzee would not play again this season.
He said (via ManUtd.com): “Joshua is out for the season. He is not going to play anymore this season.
“We must prepare him for next season. It is hard for any player to stop, but it’s football.
“He has to be ready to recover.”
Zirkzee had finally found his rhythm at Old Trafford after a rocky start, recently emerging as a creative heartbeat in Amorim’s 3-4-3 set up.
Deployed as a number 10, the Dutchman flourished in linking up play and elevating United’s attacking flow.
The 23-year-old has bagged seven goals and three assists in 48 appearances this term.
He nearly sealed the win in the first leg against Lyon, but his heroic efforts were undone by a last-gasp blunder from Andre Onana that allowed the French side to snatch a late equaliser.
With Marcus Rashford and Antony out on loan, Amorim now faces a selection headache.
He is now left with just Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho to shoulder the attacking burden.
Zirkzee’s injury could not have come at a worse moment, robbing United of a player who was finally starting to shine when they needed him most.
Ayden Heaven will also miss Thursday’s clash due to an injury setback.
Hojlund is expected to lead the attack on Thursday with Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes supporting him.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .