Man Utd fear Antony has same ankle injury as 2022 that kept him out for months

Manchester United fear Antony has suffered a similar injury to the one that ruled him out for a significant period of time at Ajax, according to a new report.

The Brazilian was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher during the first half of United's 4-1 win over Chelsea on Thursday evening with a suspected ankle injury.

Manager Erik ten Hag could not confirm the extent of Antony's injury, but did describe it as 'serious' in his post-match press conference.

United will fear that the winger could miss the FA Cup final, with Ten Hag's side taking on Manchester City at Wembley in just eight days' time.

And a new report will increase those fears even further.

Antony injury worry revealed

As per BBC Sport, United are concerned that Antony has suffered a recurrence of an ankle injury that ruled him out of the final two months of last season with Ajax.

He suffered the injury in a World Cup qualifier with Brazil in March 2022, and did not play for Ajax for another four months, also missing out on the early stages of pre-season.

If the injury is indeed of a similar severity, it appears likely that Antony will miss the FA Cup final, in a big blow to Ten Hag.

Although his form in the second half of the season has been mixed, he has been a consistent presence on the right side of attack for United, and the Dutchman would have a headache in replacing him.

Jadon Sancho has played on the right wing for United previously, and also produced stellar performances there for Borussia Dortmund, but has predominantly featured on the left under Ten Hag.

With Marcus Rashford set to be fully fit in time for Wembley - he replaced Antony on Thursday - it remains to be seen whether the United boss would consider a tactical switch that would get the 30-goal forward, Sancho and Anthony Martial all into the line-up.

Alternatively, he could opt to start young winger Facundo Pellistri, but despite impressive cameos for United, he is yet to make his first senior start for the club.