Donny van de Beek of Manchester United has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
The 25-year-old Netherlands international last appeared for the club on January 3rd, when they defeated Bournemouth.
He was removed from the game near the end of the first half.
“In the long run, it looks really good; he’ll be back for the start of preseason,” United manager Erik ten Hag said.
“He’s out for the rest of the season.”
Van de Beek joined United from Ajax in 2020 on a five-year contract worth £35 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
“I think everyone’s thoughts are with him,” Ten Hag added. “It’s terrible when you’re in the middle of a season and you get a bad tackle or an injury.
“It’s always very disappointing, and thoughts and feelings are with the player. You expressed that very well, and we are now relieved that his knee will be fine in the long run.
“Mixed emotions at the same time. It’s a shame he won’t be playing this season.
“The players believe we are constructing something worthwhile, and we want to be a part of it, and everyone wants to be a part of it.”
On Saturday, Manchester United will face local rival Manchester City (12:30 GMT).
Ten Hag stated that the club is “close” to completing the loan signing of Dutch forward Wout Weghorst from Burnley, but that the 30-year-old will “not be available” for the match against City.
Weghorst spent the first half of the season on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, but is now set to return to Old Trafford.