Manchester United have been dealt a severe blow with the news that captain Bruno Fernandes could be sidelined for up to six crucial Premier League fixtures after picking up an injury against Aston Villa.
Injury Details and Immediate Impact
The influential Portuguese midfielder, 31, pulled up sharply towards the end of the first half during Sunday's defeat at Villa Park. Despite attempting to continue, he was unable to reappear for the second period.
Manager Ruben Amorim confirmed a 'soft tissue' injury and immediately ruled his skipper out of the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United. Fernandes, who has started every game this season, is set for further tests but club officials reportedly fear a prolonged absence.
Lengthy Absence and Fixture Worry
According to reports, the notoriously durable playmaker faces missing matches against Wolves, Leeds, Burnley, Brighton, and the pivotal Manchester derby against Manchester City on January 25th.
This potential timeline carries significant implications beyond Old Trafford. Fernandes's possible return date aligns with United's fixture against Arsenal on January 25th, which could hand Mikel Arteta's Gunners a major complication in their own Premier League title pursuit.
Dalot's Reaction and Mounting Crisis
Defender Diogo Dalot, who took the armband from his compatriot, described the loss as a "massive" blow. "We don't know how bad it is but for him to come off in the game, we know how tough he is," Dalot told Sky Sports.
He later added to MUTV: "We obviously were sad that Bruno came off... let's hope that it's not too bad and then we have Bruno for the next games."
The situation is compounded by other absences. Kobbie Mainoo, a natural replacement, is also set to miss out with a calf issue. The club could be without seven first-team players for the Newcastle match due to a combination of injury and international duty.
Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are also injured. This has forced Amorim to promote academy talents like Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey, who made senior debuts at Villa Park.
"This is the moment," Dalot said of the youngsters' chance. "We have so many players missing that this is the opportunity for those who didn't have so many chances to step up now."
