Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee could miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury in a huge blow for Ruben Amorim.
Zirkzee limped off in the second half of the 4-1 defeat at Newcastle on Sunday and is likely to be ruled out for several weeks.
Amorim looked visibly concerned as the 23-year-old Dutch international left the field at St James’ Park and there are now doubts that he will feature again this season.
His injury came just days before United face Lyon in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final, a game which will define the Red Devils’ campaign.
Zirkzee looked to have won the first leg in France last Thursday with a superb header late on before Rayan Cherki equalised in the dying stages following an error by Andre Onana.
The forward, a £36.5million arrival from Bologna in the summer, has enjoyed a remarkable turnaround in fortunes at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee limped off with a hamstring injury in Man United’s defeat by Newcastle
Zirkzee, 23, could miss the rest of the season in a huge blow to United and Ruben Amorim
The Dutch international has become a key member of the squad this season under Amorim
Zirkzee was booed off by United supporters when he was substituted by Amorim in the first half of the home defeat by Newcastle in December but has become a key part of the manager’s squad.
He has scored seven goals this season, including away to Real Sociedad and Lyon in the Europa League.
United’s current crop are guaranteed to be the worst in the club’s history in the Premier League. They are languishing in 14th and can only earn a maximum of 56 points, their lowest ever.
They have six league games remaining but their focus is on the Europa League, which is their last chance to salvage a dismal campaign.
United will play either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers in the semi-finals if they beat Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday. The final is in Bilbao on May 21, with the winners securing a place in next season’s Champions League.
