Manchester United’s Leny Yoro was withdrawn in the first half of the team’s pre-season friendly against Arsenal last week, and fears of a serious setback have been raised by footage of the player on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Leny Yoro spotting at UCLA today after Manchester United training… on crutches, in a boot. Not good looks— hoping for a speedy recovery. #MUFCtour #ManchesterUnited pic.twitter.com/UsDmzAnxdo
— Ryan (@rdeeb00) July 31, 2024
Jamie Jackson writes for The Guardian that fears are growing that Yoro might be nursing a fracture, though United refused to comment on the injury when contacted.
James Ducker also reports for The Telegraph that there are fears of a lengthy lay-off, with further assessment required.
On the other hand, a protective boot and crutches doesn’t always mean a long spell out of action.
Former Arsenal youth defender Jordi Osei-Tutu was spotted on crutches after a game on April 12th, 2022, only to return to action days later on April 15th once the tests had confirmed he wasn’t injured.
Jack Henry-Francis left Meadow Park on crutches last August, after an injury with the Arsenal u21s, but he was back in action by mid-September.
Crutches and a protective boot can hint at a serious fracture and months away from the pitch, but not necessarily.
Unless the injury turns out to be really serious, it’s unlikely to affect Arsenal directly.
The Gunners don’t face Manchester United in a league fixture until December 3rd, over four months from now, United aren’t in the Champions League, and the FA Cup doesn’t kick off for Premier League teams until January.
Of course, it’s possible that Arsenal could draw United in the League Cup, with the third round taking place in mid-September. That seems like the only Arsenal game Yoro could realistically miss.
