Erik ten Hag provides Alejandro Garnacho injury update

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 15 March 2023

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag says that Alejandro Garnacho will return from an ankle injury before the end of the season.

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has eased fears that Alejandro Garnacho's ankle injury could keep him out for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign.

The 18-year-old suffered ankle ligament damage during a challenge with Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters in Sunday's Premier League contest at Old Trafford.

Garnacho took to Instagram on Monday to reveal his disappointment at the fitness setback.

"It is difficult to put into words how I'm feeling right now. Unfortunately I will not be able to help my team and teammates in the upcoming games in what is a very important part of the season for us at Manchester United," wrote the Argentina Under-20s international.

"I am disappointed to also miss the opportunity to be with my teammates of the Argentinian National Team in what would have been a great and proud moment for me and my family.

West Ham United's Lucas Paqueta in action with Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho on March 1, 2023 © Reuters

"This is part of football and our profession, however, I am already focused in my recovery. God has taught me to never give up and I will make sure I am back stronger than ever!"

Man United said in a statement that Garnacho would likely be out 'for a number of weeks', and Ten Hag was asked about the youngster during his press conference to preview Thursday's Europa League last-16 second leg with Real Betis in Seville.

The Dutchman admitted that the injury was more serious than he initially believed, with the teenager set to be on the sidelines for "weeks", but he will be available before the end of the campaign.

"I can't say exactly at this moment but it will take weeks," Ten Hag told reporters. "So it's a serious injury I didn't expect. A foul and a serious injury once again, after Christian Eriksen, a serious injury after a contact.

Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho celebrates scoring their second goal on February 12, 2023 © Reuters

"He makes good progression and he was selected by the national team. He was in a really good development. He will be back before the end of the season. We can win a lot so he has to be ready."

Garnacho has been a regular for the 20-time English champions this season, featuring on 29 occasions in all competitions, contributing four goals and five assists in the process.

In total, Man United will be without five first-team players against Real Betis, with Antony, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek and Eriksen also unavailable for selection.

The Red Devils are in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals of the competition following their 4-1 victory over Manuel Pellegrini's side in the first leg of the last-16 contest at Old Trafford.