Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka will miss up to two months of action due to a hamstring injury.
Wan-Bissaka, 25, was a surprise absentee from the United starting XI that lost 3-1 against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, with the full-back featuring off the bench for the final five minutes.
Speaking before the game, manager Erik ten Hag had said Wan-Bissaka had been suffering with illness during the week and was subsequently only ready to feature as a substitute. The Englishman had previously started all four of United’s Premier League matches before the international break.
Wan-Bissaka’s injury leaves only Diogo Dalot as a recognised right-back option for Ten Hag in what is a busy period for United. The Old Trafford side play six matches in three competitions between now and the beginning of the next international break on October 9.
Fellow full-back Luke Shaw is also a long-term absentee, with Sergio Reguilon — brought in on loan from Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the transfer window — making his debut at left-back against Brighton. Tyrell Malacia is also currently out injured.
United play their first Champions League group game on Wednesday when they travel to Bayern Munich.
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How big a blow is Wan-Bissaka’s injury and how might United replace him?
Analysis from The Athletic’s Manchester United reporter Carl Anka
It took half a season for Aaron Wan Bissaka to play himself into Erik ten Hag’s first team plans in 2022-23. The 25-year-old was largely deemed surplus to requirements at right-back before travelling with United for a winter camp during the 2022 World Cup.
Ten Hag has stated it was Wan Bissaka’s activities following a game against Cadiz that brought him back into the fold. Wan-Bissaka would finish last season as one of United’s stronger performers, much improved when defending against crosses directed towards the back post, and making 1-2 passes to get forward.
His injury will mean Ten Hag is without his best 1v1 defender against wingers, heaping further pressure on Diogo Dalot – the team’s remaining senior right-back – to keep things secure.
Dalot has been quitely impressive in United’s most recent defeats to Arsenal and Brighton. He is not the 1v1 defender to the same level of Wan-Bissaka, but brings other qualities to the team; namely his ability on the ball and fondness for inverting into midfield.
(Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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