Antonio Valencia has released a video message to Manchester United supporters to deliver an update on his condition after he underwent surgery on Saturday after suffering a fractured arm in last week’s 1-0 EFL Cup victory over Manchester City.

Valencia was absent from United’s 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday, with United releasing a short statement ahead of the match at Old Trafford to confirm that the Ecuador international would have surgery on the same day to correct the fracture to his left arm.

The injury led to Matteo Darmian’s return to the starting line-up, and Valencia now faces a number of weeks on the sideline while he recovers from injury.

The winger-turned-defender has insisted though that he will return “stronger” than before, and insisted that he is fully focused on regaining his fitness after reclaiming his place at right-back this season under Jose Mourinho.

Valencia posted a video in Spanish on Twitter, and included a caption in English that read: “Now thinking only in recovery. I want to come back soon and help my team. I'll come back stronger and always optimistic.”

Valencia’s injury has plunged United into a defensive injury crisis, given that Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are also out with injury.

Manchester United injury news Show all 5 1 /5 Manchester United injury news Manchester United injury news Ander Herrera (hamstring) Return date not yet known. Getty Images Manchester United injury news Phil Jones (ankle) Return date not yet known. Manchester United injury news Michael Carrick (ankle) Could play this weekend. Manchester United injury news Antonio Valencia (ankle/ foot) Out for a lengthy period, possibly February. Getty Manchester United injury news Luke Shaw (broken leg) Expected to be out until at least April.

Phil Jones is also an absentee, having not played a minute of football under Mourinho after struggling with a persistent knee issue, and Mourinho was unable to name a recognised defender on the substitutes’ bench at the weekend with his back four made up of Darmian, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Luke Shaw.

Loading....