Manchester United's challenges early in the new season are intensifying as star defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set to be on the treatment table for an extended period, owing to a hamstring injury. The England right-back, who surprisingly entered the match against Brighton & Hove Albion on September 18th, 2023, in the dying minutes, picked up the injury shortly thereafter.
This unfortunate incident swells the injury list for the Red Devils, especially in their backline, with other key players like Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Tyrell Malacia also nursing injuries. Additionally, summer acquisitions Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat have had intermittent availability due to varying concerns.
While the club acknowledged Wan-Bissaka's injury setback, they haven't pinned down an exact return date. However, speculations from British media outlets suggest that the defender might be absent from the squad for approximately two months.
"Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set for a period on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during the closing stages of Saturday's game against Brighton & Hove Albion," read the statement on United's official website.
"The right-back came on as an 85th-minute substitute, having started the game on the bench after battling illness during the week.
"Further assessment will be needed to determine how long Wan-Bissaka will be out for, but initial indications suggest it will be several weeks," it added.
Compounding the team's predicaments, key contributors like Antony and Jadon Sancho are also missing from the lineup for non-injury reasons.
With a shaky start in the Premier League, having lost three out of their first five matches, the timing couldn't be worse for Manchester United. Their next challenge is a colossal one, as they gear up to face Bayern Munich in their inaugural Champions League match of the season. Amidst this backdrop, the team's depth and resilience will be truly tested.
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