Sweden’s national team captain Victor Lindelof suffered another injury setback during Sweden’s 2-1 victory over Slovakia on November 17, 2024. The 30-year-old Swedish defender has been in and out of action due to fitness and injury concerns this season. He left the field in visible frustration and agony after limping off the field after just 26 minutes into the game.
Injury woes continue for Lindelof
Manchester United centre-back’s early exit is the latest chapter in what has been a challenging year for the veteran defender. Having already missed the start of Man United’s campaign with a toe injury. The star defender has only made seven appearances across all competitions so far this season, including a total of 58 minutes in four Premier League matches.
Victor Lindelof’s frustration was visible as he pounded the ground and threw his captain’s armband to the ground before being assisted off the pitch by the medical staff. Initial reports have suggested a suspected knee injury, though the full extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed.
Lindelof’s Swedish teammate Dejan Kulusevski expressed his concern after the match during the conference where he stated, “It’s hard to see,” “He has just come through a long injury. It’s hard to see him like that and I know how hard it is to come back again. It’s the worst there is. He is a fantastic guy who deserves the best.”
Also Read: Ruud van Nistelrooy joins race for Coventry City manager role amid Frank Lampard competition
Challenges ahead for Ruben Amorim and Manchester United
It must be unfortunate for Manchester United’s newly appointed manager, Ruben Amorim, that Lindelof’s injury happens at this time. The Portuguese tactician, who favored a 3-4-3 formation, had only joined the Old Trafford team recently and was to make his debut at Old Trafford against Ipswich Town on November 24.
Amorim also has his tactical formation where defense is usually well fortified, and due to injuries that have plagued United, Victor Lindelof injury is an addition to the list. Harry Maguire and emerging French talent Leny Yoro are injured, while Lisandro Martinez also left the Argentine national team due to an injury. This has put Matthijs de Ligt and Jonny Evans as the only fully fit centre-back at Amorim’s disposal out of all of the available options that he has.
What lies ahead for Victor Lindelof?
While Lindelof undergoes medical assessments, Sweden and Manchester United await the results of his condition. For United, it remains especially crucial as Amorim tries to popularize the new ideology and build a strong defense around a team that has struggled with it.
This injury might make United look for other options to fill their defensive squad or have those young stars continue for a short while as they look for another defender. However, for Lindelof, it will be all about getting back and regaining form.
Also Read: St. Pauli quits X over Trump-Musk Alliance: Bayer Leverkusen, Wolfsburg, Stuttgart and Leipzig next?