According to reports emanating out of Argentina, Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo will be out for longer than expected following the ligament damage he suffered in the Europa League last month.

What's the word?

La Nacion have revealed that the 27-year-old is not expected to play again until 2018 after suffering his injury against Anderlecht in the Europa League on April 20th.

United are said to have decided to send the former Sporting Lisbon man for an operation so as not to run the risk of any problems as the injury heals. As a result of that surgery, Rogo is thought to be facing a race against time in making the 2018 World Cup for his nation.

Having impressed Louis van Gaal enough at the 2014 edition for La Albiceleste during their run to the final, it's touch and go as to whether he'll make it to Russia next summer. Should Argentina qualify, of course.

How big a blow for United?

Very. While he's not always convinced the Old Trafford faithful, Rojo was in the best form of his United career prior to his injury and had been a solid partner for both Phil Jones and Eric Bailly in central defence.

With injuries plaguing Jose Mourinho's squad right now, Rojo's absence could force the Red Devils into the transfer market this summer.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/pogba-problems.mp4