Garnacho injury rules winger out of upcoming games including Argentina friendlies

Alejandro Garnacho said he will miss Manchester United's "upcoming games" at a crucial juncture of the season after suffering an ankle injury in their goalless draw with Southampton over the weekend.

A challenge from Saints defender Kyle Walker-Peters left Garnacho in pain, forcing United boss Erik ten Hag into withdrawing his second-half substitute. Garnacho later left Old Trafford on crutches.

The 18-year-old winger was primed for his Argentina debut after a stellar season where he has four goals and four assists in all competitions, but he will now have to wait to don the blue-and-white kit of the World Cup winners.

It is difficult to put into words how I'm feeling right now. Unfortunately I will not be able to help my team and team mates in the upcoming games in what is a very important part of the season for us at Manchester United, he wrote on Instagram. I am disappointed to also miss the opportunity to be with my team mates of the Argentinian national team in what would have been a great and proud moment for me and my family. This is part of football and our profession, however, I am already focused in my recovery."

United enter what could be a season-defining period where they take on Real Betis in the Europa League last-16 second leg on Thursday followed by an FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on Sunday. Argentina face Panama and Curacao in friendly matches later this month during the international break.

The challenge on Garnacho led to Walker-Peters receiving racist abuse on social media, which prompted Southampton to get the police involved. Walker-Peters later said it was never his intention to injure a fellow professional, with Garnacho saying he had no hard feelings.