Zlatan Ibrahimovic has tonight suffered a knee injury which saw him hobble from the field in Manchester United’s Europa League victory over Anderlecht.
The striker fell awkwardly when leaping for a cross, appearing to hyperextend his knee joint. A stretcher was called, although the striker chose instead to make his own way from the field with the help of medical staff.
United also lost defender Marcos Rojo to injury in the same match on 23 minutes – also to a knee injury – with the Argentine now another major concern for Gameweek 34.
Post-match, Jose Mourinho was not keen to commit his views on both setbacks…
“I don’t think they’re easy injuries but I prefer to wait until all the tests are done”
However, when asked if he hoped the initial prognosis was “fairly positive” he replied “fairly negative” and confirmed them as likely bad injuries.
Further quotes then surfaced from Mourinho’s post-match press conference…
“My feeling is not good for both. I want to be optimistic but I’m not.”
Ibrahimovic has been the top attraction in the Fantasy Premier League transfer market ahead of United’s double Gameweek fixtures at Burnley and Manchester City – more than 89,000 had swooped early ahead of Saturday’s deadline to secure his services. His participation in those fixtures, and perhaps the season run-in, must now be in doubt.
The Swede’s absence paves the way for Marcus Rashford to maintain his recent run of form and step up. The 6.5 FPL option again put in a sparkling display and has now scored three goals in his last three outings in all competitions having struck United’s extra-time winner against the Belgians.
Rashford had already been brought in by 58,000+ ahead of United’s two fixtures, although there will be some concerns that he may be subject to a rest in the first fixture at Burnley on Sunday; the 19-year-old played 120 minutes and would perhaps need to be preserved for the City clash. Wayne Rooney, who returned to the bench for Thursday’s tie, could now be a factor at Turf Moor at least.
7 years, 15 days agoLosing Ibra for Benteke might just be a blessing. I was always worried about losing Zaha for a Man City mid in GW35 (MID) as Palace have BUR, plus another good fixture for the BB chip in GW37. Even GW38 vs Man Utd is decent if United make it through to the final.
Now I can lose Zaha but keep Benteke, who dovetails nicely with Gabiadini.
GW34 - Benteke (liv, TOT) - Gabiadini (CHE)
GW35 - Benteke (BUR) - Gabiadini (HUL)
GW36 - Benteke (mci) - Gabiadini (liv, ARS)
GW37 - Benteke (HUL) - Gabiadini (mid, MUN)
GW38 - Benteke (mun) - Gabiadini (STO)