Noussair Mazraoui was spotted leaving St James’ Park with a heavy limp following Manchester United’s defeat to Newcastle United.
The Morrocco international started his first game for the club since December on Thursday night on Tyneside, coming in for Diogo Dalot at right-back.
Despite the hosts being reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half-time, a woeful second-half performance saw United fall to their first defeat in 12 games and the first since Michael Carrick took the reins.
Mazraoui was seen struggling late on in the contest, forcing Carrick into a late change with Tyrell Malacia brought on for just his second appearance of the season and his first of the year.
The Dutchman’s lack of gametime showed and was at fault as William Osula bagged a late winner for the Magpies.
Later in the evening, Mazraoui was spotted limping slowly out of the stadium, clearly still in discomfort.
United do not play again until Sunday 15 March when they host Aston Villa, at least allowing plenty of time for Mazraoui to recover.
Your football fix
Metro‘s Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week’s biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.
Sign up here, it’s an open goal.
United head to Bournemouth the following week before the March international breaks kicks in with their next game coming against Leeds on 13 April.
United had taken 19 points from a possible 21 under Carrick, climbing into third place after their victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
They remain in that position buy missed the chance to put some real daylight between themselves and the sides around them with just three points now separating United, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool.
‘Bitterly disappointed,’ Carrick said of the result It hurts that tonight.
‘We definitely came here in good shape, looking to get something from the game, if not win the game and we’re disappointed with the way it panned out.
‘We can be an awful lot better. We’ve put ourselves in a good position, a decent position with the performances and the results that we’ve had, so tonight hurts.’
MORE: Piero Hincapie spotted mocking Brighton boss Fabian Herzeler during Arsenal win
MORE: Michael Owen aims dig at Brighton boss and defends Mikel Arteta after Arsenal criticism
MORE: Liam Rosenior dropped Chelsea star for Aston Villa win after ‘gut feeling in training’