Manchester United could face a defensive dilemma for Ruben Amorim's managerial debut after Victor Lindelof added to the club's injury worries. The newly appointed Portuguese coach, who secured his work visa earlier this week, is set to lead the Red Devils for the first time next Sunday.
United are scheduled to take on newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road, but concerns over player availability intensified yesterday evening (Saturday).
Lindelof, who started for Sweden in their UEFA Nations League game against Slovakia, had to be helped off the pitch by medics before the half-hour mark due to injury.
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His issue is particularly untimely given his recent comments about wanting to establish himself under Amorim after slipping down Erik ten Hag's pecking order.
In an interview with Fotbolldirekt, Lindelof expressed: "This [leaving next summer] is not something I think about. My focus has been to come back from the injury and play football again.
"But of course, there will be writings now about what will happen when I am in my last year. My goal is always to help the team. Now I have come back, made 90 minutes at United which has been very nice. It's a different situation for me now."
Lindelof also opened up about his past experience with new United boss Amorim, just 39, from their time as team-mates at Benfica.
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"I was young at the time, and we didn't have a relationship outside of football, but I've heard great things about him as a coach. It will be great to meet him again. It's been many years since we played together," Lindelof explained.
The 30-year-old defender, who has had a mixed run across his United career and made 266 appearances, has only started three games this season.
With injuries plaguing United's defence, including concerns over Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, and Harry Maguire, Lindelof's potential absence could add to Amorim's challenges.
Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo is also awaiting tests before the upcoming Ipswich game. Amorim, gearing up for his debut, has emphasised the need for a strong start.
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In his first interview as United boss, he said: "We know that we need time, but we have to win time.
"To win time is to win games. But the most important thing for me is identity. So since day one we will start with our identity."
"Of course, we are going to prepare the games, but we will focus a lot on our game model. How to play, how to press, these small things, small details.
"You cannot go 100 per cent on every detail because it will be confusing for the players. So if I have to say one thing, my main goal, my first goal, is identity."
