Manchester United attacker Amad Diallo has taken to Instagram to confirm that he is set to be sidelined for some time after suffering an injury in training.
Ruben Amorim's side will take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday in the Premier League, but they will have to do so without young stars Kobbie Mainoo and Diallo.
Mainoo is reportedly likely to miss out on action for a few weeks as a result of a muscle injury, while Diallo is said to have picked up an ankle ligament injury and may not return at all this season.
In a message posted on social media, Diallo addressed fans following news of his setback, saying: "Extremely disappointed to be writing this message in such a crucial time of the season. Unfortunately, I will be out for some time with an injury. I will come back stronger than ever!! Time to support the boys from the outside. Still loads to play for."
Diallo has established himself as a starter under Amorim and has scored six goals and provided six assists in the Premier League for United this term.
© Imago
How much of a loss is Diallo?
The attacker's tally of six goals in the league makes him the club's leading goalscorer in the top flight, and he is also tied with Bruno Fernandes at the top of the Red Devils' assist charts.
Diallo has been immensely creative as either a wing-back or in a more advanced position, and has been responsible for around 26% of expected assists under Amorim since the Portuguese boss took over from Erik ten Hag in November.
Considering United have only scored 28 goals in the Premier League - the fifth fewest in the division of any club - losing the 22-year-old could be a devastating blow.
Additionally, strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have only found the back of the net five times between them in the league, and they are unlikely to provide enough end product to fire their side to victories in the coming months.
United are currently 14th in the Premier League and defeat on Sunday would see them drop to 15th, and it would become increasingly difficult to see them making a push for the top half of the table.
Amorim's side are in the Europa League round of 16 and could qualify for the Champions League by winning the tournament, but it remains to be seen if they can pose enough of a threat in the final third to reach the final.
While United are still in contention for trophies this season, it would not be surprising if the club's fortunes took a turn for the worse, and a period of particularly poor results could pile even more pressure on Amorim.
Lewis Nolan
