Anderson, Manchester United’s 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder, has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and will miss the rest of the season. The player, who started against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night, left the field in the 18th minute, with the club confirming the injury today.
“I think I need more tests but I am fearful. I heard a crack as I turned. I am having no luck this season,” said Anderson after the West Ham match.
The player, whose full name is Anderson Luís de Abreu Oliveira, underwent further tests on Wednesday and the injury will keep the former-Gremio player on the sidelines for several months.
The anterior cruciate is one of four such ligaments in the knee joint and a tears often occur in footballers. The injury is similar those suffered by Roy Keane and Ruud van Nistelrooy, with a typical rehabilitation period of six to nine months depending on the severity of the rupture or tear.
The club confirmed that Anderson will undergo an operation in two weeks time in Portugal when swelling in the joint has subsided.
£18 million Anderson has suffered a mixed season at the club. Starting the campaign on the sidelines, the Brazilian forced his way back into the team during the autumn only to be singled out for criticism following United’s Carling Cup semi final first leg defeat to Manchester City.