Marouane Fellaini could be facing a very significant lay-off after he re-aggravated a knee injury in Manchester United’s 2-0 loss at Tottenham Hotspur last night. The Red Devils midfielder was subbed on for Paul Pogba in the 63′, the first time that Pogba has been subbed off early (for tactical, not injury reasons) since his return to United.
However, Fellaini lasted just seven minutes before he himself had to be taken off. The Belgian has seen his long standing knee problem, which began while on international duty in October, rear its ugly head once again.
Depending on scan results, a decision about whether or not Fellaini needs surgery could be reached on Friday. Perhaps Manager Jose Mourinho will provide an update at his news conference ahead of the Saturday home clash against Huddersfield Town.
According to The Telegraph: “If Fellaini’s fears that he has suffered fresh damage to the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in his knee are confirmed and an operation is given the go-ahead, the Belgian could be out for around eight weeks.”
The latest injury setback for Fellaini comes at a very crucial time for the player. Yes, he’s consistently one of Mourinho’s favorites for selection, but if he’s out of action a long time that could really cast even more doubt about his already uncertain future. Fellaini is out of contract at the end of the year, and there hasn’t been any progress to speak of regarding a possible extension.
A two month absence only muddies the waters further.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV and the Tribune corporation blogging community Chicago Now.
Follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Sound Cloud, LinkedIn and YouTube.