Manchester United will be without Danish international midfielder Christian Eriksen for ‘an extended period’ due to an ankle injury sustained by the Danish superstar in breaking news today which is a massive blow to Erik ten Hag.

Eriksen suffered the injury in United’s FA Cup tie against Paul Ince’s Reading, where former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll put in a misjudged challenge. Carroll was later sent off in the game after picking up his second yellow card.

According to a statement issued on United’s official club website, Eriksen will be out of action ‘until late April or early May’.

This unfortunate development could provide something of a selection headache for United boss Erik Ten Hag. Eriksen is one of United’s best creative players, as well as being arguably the Red Devils’ best passer of the ball and with big games against the likes of Barcelona, Liverpool and Chelsea coming up Eriksen will be so badly missed.

This season, the former Spurs midfielder has made 31 appearances in all competitions for United, scoring two goals and notching up nine assists. No other player has accumulated more assists for United this season.

Eriksen is also United’s best set piece taker, being an expert in all dead-ball scenarios. His place in the team will likely be filled by one of Fred or Scott McTominay, though neither possess the unique qualities that the Dane brings to the table. With Donny van De Beek also injured it leaves Erik ten Hag very short of options.

The 30-year-old signed for United on a free in the summer, following a successful six-month period at Brentford. While used primarily as a number ten earlier on in his career, he has adapted to playing a deeper role for the Red Devils, where he can provide a creative influence away from opposition defenders and holding midfielders.