Manchester United have suffered another injury blow with reports suggesting that full-back Antonio Valencia could be out for up to six weeks after he underwent surgery on his a fractured arm.
Adding to a long list
The Ecuadorian picked up the injury during United's 1-0 win over bitter rivals Manchester City in the EFL Cup, and was absent from Saturday's 0-0 draw with Burnley. Valencia had surgery on his arm, and it is reported by the Sun that he could be out for six weeks, with a possible return for the clash with Tottenham Hotspur on December 11.
Valencia said: "Now I'm thinking only about recovery. I want to come back soon and help my team. I'll come back stronger and I'm always optimistic."
The 31-year-old is yet another defensive casualty that Jose Mourinho didn't need, with Eric Bailly out until December and Chris Smalling picking up a small knock.
Get back on top
It was a frustrating result on Saturday, with United creating 37 chances but failing to score. One man that has taken some of the brunt has been Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the Swede failing to score in his last six matches, his worst run since 2007. However, Ander Herrera has backed his teammate to return to top form.
"I think if one player can get back and pass this moment it's him because of his attitude, his character, the way he works," Herrera said. "I have no doubt he is going to score a lot of goals for us. But it is not only him - we have missed a lot of chances, not only him.
He continued: "He is giving us a lot of things for the team. Some of the chances we created came because of him, so we cannot tell him anything."
Herrera concluded: "We have to say that we have one of the best strikers in the world and his attitude, his character, is top."
Manchester United will take on Fenerbahce in the Europa League at the Şükrü Saracoğlu on Thursday, November 3 with kick-off at 6pm BST.