Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed that Alex Telles has suffered an ankle injury and will then be out for a few weeks.
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The Brazilian left-back has struggled to make a name for himself at Old Trafford since arriving in England in October last year, with Luke Shaw’s fine form limiting him to just nine Premier League appearances in his virgin campaign at the club.
With Shaw yet to return to club service following England’s Euro 2020 campaign, Telles would have the chance to impress at United’s upcoming pre-season meetings. But he will now be denied the opportunity after Solskjaer confirmed that he had taken a hit.
Telles was in United’s friendly match before Derby / Marc Atkins / Getty Images
The Red Devils boss ended up putting an exact time frame on the Brazilians’ dismissal, but it looks like his participation in United’s Premier League opener against Leeds on August 14 may be in doubt.
“Unfortunately, Alex slipped and he twisted his ankle so that he would be out for a few weeks,” he told United’s official website. “We hope it will not be so bad but he will be out for a while.”
Telles will undergo further tests as United’s medical team looks to measure how long his recovery time will take, but he currently appears to be absent from his squad’s clashes ahead of the season with Brentford, Preston and Everton.
While Shaw is of course expected to be United’s first – left back next season – provided he recovers from the rib injury he played through Euro 2020 with, that is – Telle’s knock can open the door for young Brandon Williams to get a little more playing time.
The 20-year-old was limited to just four Premier League appearances last campaign and played just seven minutes in league football until May, with some questions about why he was not sent out on loan.
Southampton have emerged as potential suitors for Williams in recent weeks, although his future may well depend on how serious Telle’s injury is and whether United can then afford to let him leave.
