Manchester United star Christian Eriksen has been ruled out of action for at least two months due to an ankle injury. The Denmark international was substituted during the Red Devils' FA Cup victory over Reading following a heavy challenge from former Newcastle United striker Andy Carroll.
A club statement confirmed 'investigations are ongoing', but early signs indicate Eriksen will not be available for selection until late March at the earliest. It means the 30-year-old will not be fit to feature in a prospective Carabao Cup final, should Erik ten Hag's progress having sealed a 3-0 win in the first leg of their semi-final clash with Nottingham Forest.
Newcastle hold a one-goal advantage ahead of their own second leg encounter against Southampton at St James' Park on Tuesday night. Joelinton scored the only goal of the game on the south coast, and Eddie Howe's side will advance to the Wembley final on February 26 if they avoid defeat in the reverse fixture.
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As it stands, Manchester United look the most likely opponents for either Newcastle or Southampton due to their three-goal cushion ahead of the return tie at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Wout Weghorst at the City Ground have left Forest facing the unenviable task of attempting to overturn a sizeable deficit at the Theatre of Dreams.
Newcastle and Man Utd are also set to rival one another in the race to qualify for next season's Champions League. Howe's side currently sit third on goal difference, following the Red Devils recent defeat at league leaders Arsenal.
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