Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has revealed that Victor Lindelof will be sidelined for at least another couple of weeks, with the defender undergoing an operation.
The Sweden international has not featured for the 20-time English champions since being withdrawn at the interval of the team's 2-1 win over Chelsea in the Premier League on December 6.
Lindelof has missed his side's last three games against Bournemouth, Bayern Munich and Liverpool, and it has now been confirmed that he is set for more time on the sidelines.
Speaking during his press conference on Friday afternoon, Ten Hag explained that the 29-year-old had undergone an operation, although the details of his issue have not been released.
"Victor Lindelof is not available. He has done surgery, so he will be out for a couple of weeks. What happened? He had a problem and so [personal] is that but he has to do the surgery," the manager told reporters.
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Lindelof is set to miss the next three games against West Ham United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, but there is a chance that he could be back for the FA Cup clash with Wigan Athletic on January 8.
Man United are currently having to work around the absence of three centre-backs, as Lisandro Martinez is still recovering from a second foot operation of the year, while Harry Maguire remains out with a groin issue.
As a result, Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane could continue in the middle of the defence against West Ham on Saturday, although Ten Hag also has the option to move Luke Shaw inside and name Sergio Reguilon at left-back.
Lindelof has been a regular for Man United this season, making 18 appearances in all competitions, but there is speculation surrounding his future at the club.
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The defender's deal at Old Trafford is due to expire at the end of the campaign, but Man United have the option to activate another 12 months to take him until June 2025.
Lindelof could struggle for regular action in the second half of the season, as Maguire is due back from a groin problem early next year, while Martinez should return in the middle of January.
Varane is also set to stay at Man United, at least for the rest of the season, despite suggestions that the ex-France international could be on the move in January.
Casemiro, meanwhile, is expected to stay beyond the winter transfer window, with the Brazilian also due to return from a hamstring problem in the middle of next month.
However, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek are both set to depart the 20-time English champions during the January market.
Matt Law
