Wan-Bissaka set for ‘several weeks on the sidelines’ adding to Erik ten Hag’s woes

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has become the latest Manchester United player to be sidelined by injury in the opening weeks of the season.

United have confirmed that Wan-Bissaka was hurt after coming on as a late substitute in Saturday’s defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford and the defender could now be out for a number of weeks.

A club statement read: ‘Aaron Wan-Bissaka is set for a period on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during the closing stages of Saturday’s game against Brighton & Hove Albion.

‘The right-back came on as an 85th-minute substitute, having started the game on the bench after battling illness during the week.

‘Further assessment will be needed to determine how long Wan-Bissaka will be out for, but initial indications suggest it will be several weeks.’

United have suffered a number of injury problems in the opening weeks of the new campaign, particularly in defence, with Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia all picking up knocks before Wan-Bissaka’s setback.

Victor Lindelof also came off in the defeat to Arsenal through illness, while new signings Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Sofyan Amrabat have been unavailable at times.

Mount played the opening two games against Wolves and Tottenham but has missed the last three matches, Hojlund’s debut was delayed due to a back problem, and Amrabat has yet to appear after arriving on loan from Fiorentina with an injury.

However, Martinez and Lindelof started against Brighton and Hojlund was also able to make his full debut. Manager Erik ten Hag also said before the game that Mount and Varane are close to being available.

‘Both are in a good place and I think shortly for a return,’ said Ten Hag who has also been without right wingers Antony and Jadon Sancho.

Antony has been placed on paid leave to fight allegations – which he strongly denies – that he assaulted two women, while Sancho is training alone following a fall-out with Ten Hag.