Following surgery for a foot injury, Manchester United has officially announced Leny Yoro’s extended layoff.
When United defeated Real Madrid to acquire Yoro last month—a highly sought-after 18-year-old from Lille—in a £52 million deal, there was much fanfare.
The center back’s outstanding display on his unofficial debut against Rangers increased this, but soon the joy gave way to sorrow.
Yoro was seen leaving the United training camp on crutches and with his left foot in a protective boot after limping off injured after just 35 minutes of last week’s preseason friendly against Arsenal.
It was reported that the Frenchman could be sidelined for several months and the Devils have now confirmed fans’ worst fears.
‘Manchester United defender Leny Yoro has today had a successful surgery on his foot injury,’ a club statement read on Monday night.
‘Our summer signing from Lille sustained the injury during the team’s recent friendly match against Arsenal in Los Angeles, USA.
‘Yoro’s rehabilitation starts now and we look forward to the 18-year-old returning to fitness in around three months.’
It’s a huge blow for United, especially when one looks at the fixtures Yoro will miss if he is indeed sidelined for the next three months exactly.
Erik ten Hag’s side begin the 2024/25 season against rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield this Saturday and kick-off the new Premier League season against Fulham on Friday, August 16.
Man Utd’s opening Premier League fixtures:
Fulham (H) – August 16
Brighton (A) – August 24
Liverpool (H) – September 1
Southampton (A) – September 14
Crystal Palace (A) – September 21
Tottenham (H) – September 29
Aston Villa (A) – October 5
Brentford (H) – October 19
West Ham (A) – October 26
Chelsea (H) – November 2
Leicester City (H) – November 9
Fixtures subject to change
Yoro is likely to be sidelined for at least the first 10 Premier League matches, which includes Liverpool at home (September 1), Tottenham at home (Sep 29), Aston Villa away (October 5) and Chelsea at home (November 2).
If his recovery is completed on schedule he could be available for selection for when Leicester City visit Old Trafford on November 9.
However he is also set to miss one or two Carabao Cup fixtures, as well as United’s opening three Europa League matches at least, with the format for European competitions changing this season.
United were looking to sign at least one more centre-back prior to Yoro’s injury, with that desire now greatly increased thanks to the teen’s prolonged absence.
Bayern Munich’s Matthijs de Ligt and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have been closely linked with the Red Devils.