Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu is set to miss up to 10 weeks with a hamstring injury, dealing the club the worst-case scenario after he was forced off during Sunday's win over Arsenal.
The 21-year-old scored a spectacular half-volley to give United the lead early in the second half at the Emirates before being replaced by Benjamin Sesko in the 81st minute. Interim manager Michael Carrick had initially hoped the issue was merely cramp, telling reporters: "He ended up coming off with a little bit of cramp, hopefully it's nothing worse. At this stage it's hard to tell so we'll just have to wait and see, but we're hoping it's not too bad."
However, further assessments have revealed the injury is more severe than first thought, with the club expecting Dorgu to be sidelined until mid-April, beyond the March international break. He is expected to miss United's next eight matches across all competitions.
The setback comes at a cruel time for the Dane, who has flourished since being shifted to a left-wing role by Carrick after previously operating as a wing-back under former boss Ruben Amorim. Dorgu had scored in the Manchester derby the week before his strike against Arsenal, taking his Premier League tally for the season to three goals and three assists in 22 appearances.
Carrick praised the forward after the Arsenal match, saying: "Pat's been a big player for us over the last couple of games attacking-wise - he's scored two goals, but in terms of his threat and athleticism and his quality coming in as well. Delighted for him. His two goals are very different goals but you get that because he's put so much into the performances."
Dorgu joins centre-back Matthijs de Ligt on the treatment list, with the Dutchman having missed the last 11 games due to a back problem. United's next outing sees them host Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday 1 February, with the club currently sitting in the top four.
