Manchester United have been rocked by news that Patrick Dorgu is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring problem at Arsenal.
Dorgu has been one of United’s most in-form players in recent weeks and scored a stunning goal to put Michael Carrick’s side 2-1 up at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
The Dane had to go off nine minutes before the end in the thrilling 3-2 win and Carrick later tried to ease fears of a lay-off by suggesting it could just be cramp.
But further assessment of the issue on Monday has revealed more extensive damage than the initial reporting and more tests are being undertaken on Tuesday.
Sources close to the player have told Daily Mail Sport that an exact timeline for the lay-off remains unclear at this stage and there is hope that suggestions of 10 weeks are closer towards the worst case scenario.
Should Dorgu be out for that long he would miss eight matches and be pencilled in to return for Leeds United’s trip to Old Trafford in mid-April.
Dorgu has been a revelation since the departure of Ruben Amorim having been re-deployed as an attacker, rather than at wing-back or full-back.
‘I think he can do both,’ Carrick said.
‘He was immense last week. His work rate and the way he plays the position, his general play was something we’re really pleased about.
‘I wouldn’t want to pin him down, because I think he can do both.
‘Certainly attacking-wise, and that threat, he was pretty impressive last week.’
The 21-year-old joined United one year ago from Lecce and has taken time to find his groove, which makes his injury incredibly unfortunate timing.
He joins Joshua Zirkzee (calf) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) on the sidelines ahead of this weekend’s home game against Fulham.
Dorgu has made 22 appearances in the Premier League this season, producing three goals and three assists.
