Manchester United defender Leny Yoro is “facing a long injury layoff”, according to the Daily Mail.

The English tabloid claims that the sight of the 18-year-old on crutches suggests that he will miss the start of the season.

Yoro picked up an ankle problem during the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in a friendly last weekend, and there has been increasing speculation about the extent of the injury.

The centre-back is not expected to play in United’s final game of their pre-season tour of the United States. Erik ten Hag’s side take on rivals Liverpool in Columbia, South Carolina early on Sunday morning (UK Time).

It is also believed that Yoro will not be available for the season curtain-raiser, when the Red Devils take on Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 10th.

United haven’t provided an official injury update

Both Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund were both injured against Arsenal, but the club have yet to speak publicly as to when they will return to fitness

The Daily Mail claims that United are likely to provide a timeline on the two players’ recovery at the end of this week. Initial reports do suggest Hojlund’s injury is relatively minor but he may sit out the games versus Real Betis and Liverpool too.

Will another centre-half be signed?

Despite spending an initial £52m on Yoro, the news about his injury may lead to the Red Devils delving back into the transfer market for more reinforcements in the centre of defence.

Talks have been held with Bayern Munich about a deal for Matthijs de Ligt but the two sides have not been able to find an agreement on the transfer fee. It has been reported that the Bundesliga side want at least €50m (£42m) plus add-ons for the Netherlands international.

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here