Alejandro Garnacho could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a heavy tackle from Kyle Walker-Peters during Manchester Uniteds draw with Southampton

Manchester Unitedhave been rocked by the news that the injuryAlejandro Garnachosustained inSundays stalemate with Southamptonis worse than initially feared.

Garnacho, 18, has made a big impression after breaking into the first-team picture underErik ten Hagthis season and even earned hisfirst senior international call-up for Argentinalast week.

The talented teenager could be seen struggling after he was on the receiving end of a heavy tackle fromKyle Walker-Petersduring Uniteds drab 0-0 draw with the Saints at the weekend. And it appears as though Garnacho, who was seenleaving Old Trafford on crutches, could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as a result of the incident.

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According toTYC Sports, Garnacho was sent for tests on the issue and it appears as though the youngsters injury is worse than first feared. The report doesnt outline any sort of timeframe but it does note that Garnacho is now expected to miss out on Argentinas upcoming international fixtures.

Garnacho was in contention to win his first senior cap after the winger made the decision to represent Argentina over Spain. He had harboured hopes of making Lionel ScalonisWorld Cupsquad before the tournament kicked off inQatarin November but failed to make the grade.

Despite his failure to make the world champions squad, Garnacho has enjoyed a breakthrough season at club level. He has clocked up 29 appearances for United in all competitions, scoring four goals and registering five assists and established himself as a firm fans favourite.

Join the debate!How highly do you rate Garnacho?Let us know here.

Alejandro Garnacho could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in Manchester Uniteds match against Southampton

The winger, who replacedJadon Sancholate in the second-half of Sundays match, had only been on the pitch for a matter of minutes before he was scythed down by Walker-Peters. Given that United were already down to 10 men after Casemiros dismissal, Ten Hag took no chances and withdrew the youngster in added-on time after he was seen struggling to shake off the after effects of said tackle.

But the Dutchman was quick to play down fears over Garnachos fitness in the immediate aftermath of Sundays match when he insisted that he didnt think the wingers issue was too bad.

Ten Hag said: He was a little bit limping after the bad tackle. In the end they brought on another striker, a big and tall one [Paul Onuachu] and I dont want to go for risk, we were already downsized to 10 [men].

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I didnt want to go with players who were [just] 90 per cent. Thats why I called him off but I think it is not too bad.

If Garnachos injury does lead to an extended spell on the sidelines, then the youngsters season could be brought to a premature end. There are just under two months of the current campaign remaining withManchester Unitedstill alive in both theFA Cupand theEuropa League. The Red Devils ended a six-year trophy drought with victory in theCarabao Cupfinal last month.

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