Alejandro Garnacho had a golden opportunity ahead of him over the coming weeks. The newly-crowned World Champions called up the Madrid-born teenager with a Spanish father and an Argentinian mother for their first matches since Lionel Messi lifted the World Cup trophy in December.
Ten days later, the player confirmed the injury that forced the him off during the 0-0 draw with Southampton, and to leave Old Trafford with the aid of crutches would mean missing the upcoming international window.
From a Manchester United perspective, his absence will at least impact the second leg of their Europa League tie away against Real Betis and the FA Cup quarter-final versus Fulham.
And on the international stage the upcoming fortnight presented a real opportunity for Garnacho. READ MORE: Garnacho issues injury update As the 18-year-old puts it in his social media statement: "I am disappointed to also miss the opportunity to be with my teammates of the Argentinian National Team in what would have been a great and proud moment for me and my family." This month was the second time he has received a senior call-up.
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