Manchester United have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of their Europa League final against Tottenham as defender Leny Yoro limped off during Sunday's Premier League match against West Ham.
The 19-year-old Frenchman looked devastated as he left the pitch, pulling his shirt over his head before heading straight down the tunnel.
The concerning injury comes just 10 days before United's showpiece final in Bilbao on May 21, adding to Ruben Amorim's mounting problems.
Yoro appeared to sustain the injury while passing the ball back to goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, immediately realising something was wrong as he pulled up.
Leny Yoro suffered an injury against West Ham as United were well beaten at Old Trafford
Reuters
The defender was promptly replaced in a double substitution that also saw Luke Shaw withdrawn, with Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof coming on.
United manager Amorim shook his head as the teenager departed, clearly concerned about the potential severity of the injury.
Yoro's emotional reaction, covering his face as he left the field, suggested the defender feared the worst.
Yoro has become an integral part of Amorim's three-man defensive system that has propelled United to the Europa League final despite their poor Premier League form.
His potential absence creates a significant headache for the United manager, who may need to reconsider his tactical approach against Tottenham.
The immediate withdrawal of Luke Shaw alongside Yoro suggests Amorim might have been considering the England international as an alternative option in his three-man defence for the Bilbao showpiece.
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This injury crisis comes at the worst possible time for United's European ambitions.
United's struggles continued as they suffered a deserved defeat to West Ham at Old Trafford, with Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen scoring for the visitors.
The loss means United have now equalled their previous worst Premier League run of seven games without a win, dating back to 1992.
Amorim's side can finish no higher than 13th in what has become their worst league campaign since relegation in the 1973-74 season.
Jarrod Bowen doubled West Ham's lead in the second half at Old Trafford
Reuters
The only teams United have beaten since late January are relegated duo Ipswich and Leicester.
Amorim had previously stated he would not take risks with his squad before the Europa League final, even if it meant sacrificing Premier League results.
The Portuguese manager appears to have followed through on this approach, starting only five players against West Ham who are expected to feature in the final.
Despite this cautious strategy, the loss of Yoro represents precisely the nightmare scenario Amorim had hoped to avoid.
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Leny Yoro is a major doubt for United's match against Tottenham in the Europa League final
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United's £60m pursuit of Wolves forward Matheus Cunha indicates planning for next season is already underway.
United have two remaining fixtures before their dismal league campaign concludes, but all focus will inevitably shift to the Europa League final.
The showdown with Tottenham in Bilbao represents United's only chance for silverware this season and their sole route to European football next term.
Amorim will be desperately hoping Yoro's injury proves less serious than it appeared, with the £100m "get out of jail free card" on offer in Spain now looking increasingly precarious.
