The midfielder came off in the 29th minute of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier (Picture: Getty)
The midfielder came off in the 29th minute of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier (Picture: Getty)

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez says Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini may have suffered ligament damage in Saturday’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The 29-year-old was forced off with a problem to his left knee in the 29th minute, dropping to the floor and asking to be withdrawn as Leander Dendoncker came on in his place.

With United already missing Paul Pogba, Jose Mourinho cannot afford to be without Fellaini for next Saturday’s clash against Liverpool, but Martinez’s latest update suggest he could be without the Belgian for rather longer than that.

(AP Photo)

Speaking after the match he explained: ‘We are all worried about Fellaini. We fear that there’s ligament damage.’

Fellaini – who has already been ruled out of Tuesday’s match against Cyprus – was believed to be carrying a knock in the week preceding Saturday’s match against Bosnia, but was used despite the country already having secured their place at the World Cup.

(Reuters Photo)

Belgium’s match against Bosnia turned into a seven-goal thriller, with Fellaini’s injury heralding two quick-fire goals from the hosts who went into the break 2-1 ahead.

But the Red Devils, who are already qualified for the World Cup, reclaimed the lead in the second half, with Yannick Carrasco scoring the decisive goal late on after Bosnia had once again levelled the scores.

(Getty Photo)
(Getty Photo)

United already have a number of injury problems to contend with ahead of the resumption of the Premier League, when they travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool, and Fellaini’s injury will only compound those woes.

Romelu Lukaku missed Belgium’s trip to Bosnia with an injury, while Fellaini had been deputising for Pogba after the Frenchman picked up a hamstring against Basel in the Champions League.

Fellaini, who scored twice in his last league outing against Crystal Palace, would have been expected to remain in the starting XI against Liverpool.

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