Diogo Dalot does not like August much. Just like in his debut season last year, his start to the season has been delayed by injury.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed the news at his press conference, via the club website.
He said: “Diogo is injured, he’ll be out for a little while, hopefully he’ll be back for [the games] after the international break. He’s had that problem for a couple of weeks.”
This means Dalot will miss games against Crystal Palace (h) and Southampton (a).
He should be targeting a return possibly in United’s first Europa League fixture, with opponents yet to be confirmed.
The injury explains his absence from teamsheets through United’s first two Premier League games, although he was pictured in training a week ago.
Implications
Dalot’s role this season is one of a utility player. He is being asked to provide cover at left-back and right-back, and might also get chances on the wing.
The big beneficiary is Ashley Young, who has been on the bench the last two matches.
Young will be called on if Aaron Wan-Bissaka or Luke Shaw become unavailable.
Potentially youngster Ethan Laird would rise in the pecking order, but he is dealing with an injury sustained playing for the under-23s last week.
Dalot will get chances when fit. United paid £19 million for him a year ago, and he featured in pre-season on the wing and in defence.
It would be wrong to suggest Dalot’s injury affects United’s first XI, but it does reduce the margin for error.
He is a brick in the wall of the squad United are building. Take him out and we are weaker, back to relying on Ashley Young for cover.
Its an example of the challenge United will face through the season when injuries and suspensions take their toll.
Shaw and Wan-Bissaka need to stay fit more than ever. And in the former’s case, he needs to hit form, and not assume just because Dalot is injured, that his place is guaranteed at left-back when the Portuguese returns.
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