Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
The 25-year-old Dutch international last played for the club in a win over Bournemouth on January 3.
He was taken off towards the end of the first half of that game.
“Long term it’s looking really good, he’ll be back for the start of pre-season,” United manager Erik ten Hag said.
“The rest of the season he is out.”
Van de Beek joined United from Ajax for £35m, plus £5m in add-ons, on a five-year deal in 2020.
“I think everyone’s thoughts are with him,” added Ten Hag. “It’s terrible when you’re in a season and you get a bad tackle, a bad injury.
“It’s still very disappointing and the thoughts, the feelings are with the player. You express that, our group did that very well, and now we’re happy that his knee is good long term.
“At the same times, mixed feelings. Disappointment he’s been out this season.
“The players feel that we are building something good and we want to be part of it and everyone wants to be part of it.”
United take on local rivals Manchester City on Saturday (12:30 GMT).
Ten Hag says the club are “close” to completing the loan signing of Dutch striker Wout Weghorst from Burnley, but the 30-year-old “will not be available” to face City.
Weghorst spent the first half of the season at Besiktas on loan from Burnley but is now set to join the Old Trafford club.
