Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has downplayed injury concerns for Alejandro Garnacho after he was pictured leaving Old Trafford on crutches.
Garnacho was a second half substitute as ten-men United were held to a goalless draw by relegation-battling Southampton in Sunday’s Premier League action. The Argentine did not complete the match, however, after sustaining a knock following a heavy tackle by Kyle Walker-Peters.
The tackle by the Saints right-back was a clean one but left Garnacho in a heap inside the penalty area and requiring lengthy treatment. The forward was able to return to the pitch and had appeared to shake off the worst of the injury but he looked to be playing in a small degree of pain.
Ten Hag withdrew the forward late in the game to introduce combative midfielder Fred, leading to fears that Garnacho may have been making his situation worse. Concerns over the teenager’s condition increased after photos emerged of him leaving the stadium on crutches.
Garnacho had headed straight down the Old Trafford tunnel to receive further treatment and having only appeared as a substitute in the 73rd minute of the clash, concerns were raised that it proved to be a costly cameo.
However, with United’s return leg away to Real Betis in the Europa League just four days away, and with Fulham travelling to Old Trafford in the Premier League before the upcoming international break, the United boss poured cold water on fears that he could be set for a lengthy layoff.
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Ten Hag told MUTV: "Yes, he had a bad tackle. His ankle was twisted. I didn't take the risk and I took him off."
Explaining the decision to bring him off, the boss added: "He was a little bit limping after a bad tackle. They bring on another striker, a big and tall one, and I do not want to go for any risk. We were already down to ten men with one player who is maybe at ninety percent, that’s why I called him off but I think it is not too bad."
Garnacho has made 15 appearances in the Premier League this season and four of those have been starts. The 18-year-old is close to signing a new deal to extend his Old Trafford stay.
