Antonio Valencia focusing on recovery after undergoing surgery for broken arm

Antonio Valencia has given a positive update with regards to his hand injury that he suffered during Manchester United's EFL Cup win over Manchester City. The Ecuadorian defender sustained the injury in the first-half of the game, but went on to complete the game following which he was diagnosed with a fractured arm.

The right-back has since undergone surgery and will remain sidelined for the next few weeks which will be a big blow to the Red Devils as he had established himself as the first choice and put in impressive performances thus far. Valencia has undergone a successful surgery and admitted that his current focus is on returning to the first-team as soon as possible.

"Now thinking only in recovery. I want to come back soon and help my team. I'll come back stronger and always optimistic," Valencia wrote on his official Instagram account alongside a video of him which shows that he is in a cast at the moment.

The Ecuador international's injury has created a defensive crisis for Jose Mourinho, as he is already without Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling, who missed the last two matches. The former is sidelined for at least two months with a knee injury, while the latter's time on the sidelines is undefined as the nature of the injury has not been specified by the club.

The triple injury blow will see Daley Blind return to central defence alongside Marcos Rojo, while Luke Shaw and Matteo Darmian will occupy the full-back roles on the left and right respectively. The Italian right-back was making his first Premier League appearance of the season, while the Argentine centre-back was making his second appearance – but it was his first full 90 minutes. Despite their lack of game time, the Portuguese manager has backed them to have a positive influence in the upcoming games.