Lisandro Martinez is likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate ligament knee injury during Manchester United's home defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday.
The Argentina international was carried off the pitch on a stretcher in tears after sustaining the injury late on in the Premier League loss, with it now revealed that he has suffered an unspecified injury to his cruciate ligament.
The 27-year-old's injury will be a big blow to Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim, whose side are languishing in 13th in the table after an 11th league defeat of the season.
A statement from Man Utd read: "Manchester United can confirm that Lisandro Martinez suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament in Sunday's game against Crystal Palace.
"Assessment of the injury is ongoing to determine the appropriate course of treatment and the timescale for his rehabilitation.
"Everyone at Manchester United wishes Lisandro Martinez strength for a successful recovery and we will be supporting him every step of the way."
While United have not officially ruled Martinez out for the rest of the season, recovery from a serious cruciate ligament injury typically takes at least six months.
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Despite Martinez's injury, Manchester United did not land late defensive cover in the final hours of the January Transfer Window.
The feeling within Old Trafford was that Amorim has plenty of options at centre-back with Leny Yoro, Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans and new teenage signing Ayden Heaven, while Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot can also fill the position if required.
Man Utd's upcoming fixtures
February 7: Leicester (H), FA Cup fourth round, kick-off 8pm
February 16: Tottenham Hotspur (A), Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
February 22: Everton (A), Premier League, kick-off 12.30pm
February 26: Ipswich (H), Premier League, kick-off 7.30pm
March 9: Arsenal (H), Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 4.30pm
March 16: Leicester (A), Premier League, live on Sky Sports, kick-off 7pm