Leny Yoro injury update as Man Utd fears realized after Liverpool transfer snub

Manchester United new boy Leny Yoro could be sidelined for an extended period due to a foot injury sustained in pre-season.

The young defender, who joined from Lille earlier this month, suffered the injury during United's 2-1 loss to Arsenal at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, sparking concerns that he could face a long-term absence.

Yoro was forced to leave the pitch in the 33rd minute of the defeat and was later seen using crutches and sporting a protective boot on his left foot at UCLA, United's training base in LA.

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This potential setback for Yoro is a significant blow for United and manager Erik ten Hag, who had intended to kick off the new season with the 18-year-old forming a key part of his revamped defense, after pipping Liverpool and Real Madrid to his signature.

Should Yoro be unavailable at the start of the season, it could result in United beginning the new campaign with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans as their central defensive pairing.

Lisandro Martinez, another of Ten Hag's preferred choices for centre-back, is yet to return to training following his involvement in Argentina's Copa America triumph and may not be fit in time for the Premier League opener at home against Fulham on August 16.

Yoro will be absent for United's second pre-season match, which is against Real Betis in San Diego on Wednesday, as well as the final game of the US tour, a clash with fierce rivals Liverpool in North Carolina on Saturday.

United are set to take on Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley a week on Saturday, before they commence their Premier League campaign with a home fixture against Fulham on Friday, August 16.

Before the first international break, they have an away game at Brighton on August 24 and a home match against Liverpool on September 1.

United's England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo sustained a foot injury during last summer's US tour, in a match against Real Madrid in Houston. He was sidelined for four months, only making his comeback in November.

Liverpool.com says: No Liverpool fan wishes an injury on a player despite what may happen in the transfer window. And Yoro will have had high hopes of hitting the ground running at Old Trafford. He may have to wait some time to establish himself after the injury setback.