Victor Lindelof’s absence during Manchester United’s memorable Europa League quarter-final second-leg win over Lyon at Old Trafford on Thursday night was questioned by many at the time, but the unfortunate reason why has now been revealed.
Victor Lindelof was back in action for United on Sunday, captaining the Red Devils’ 1-0 Premier League home defeat against Wolves.
In Manchester United’s previous fixture, however, the centre back had to leave Old Trafford at half-time due to a family emergency.
Lindelöf departed with United 2-0 up against Lyon in the Europa League, but missed the club’s downfall and epic comeback as a last-minute winner from Harry Maguire secured their place in the semi-finals of the competition.
The Swede’s wife, Maja, has now explained the defender’s sudden disappearance after taking to social media to share the distressing reason involving their youngest son.
‘Everyone was so worried’
As per The Daily Mail, she wrote online: “An hour before the [Lyon] game started, our babysitter called and said they were in an ambulance on the way to the hospital.”
Maja continued: “My youngest son Francis had split his entire head open. He had been chasing his big brother Ted Louie at home, and fallen into our glass staircase.
“His forehead was in two parts. He was in hospital both Thursday and Friday. He had to have plastic surgery to put his forehead back together. He was put under anaesthetic.
“It is the first time I have experienced something like this happening with one of my children. It was incredibly unpleasant, and not something I want to experience again.
“The operation went well, and Francis is back on track. He is a Viking, and back to normal. Everyone was so worried, but he continues his life as if nothing has happened.
“The doctors say he will have a big scar on his forehead. But never mind – I’m just happy that it went so well.”
Lindelof’s future still uncertain
While the couple have been married since 2018 and are expecting a third child together later this year, their future in Manchester remains in doubt with the defender’s current contract expiring at the end of June.
The 30-year-old has amassed 277 appearances for the club since joining in the summer of 2017 from Benfica, winning a League Cup and an FA Cup in that time.
Rúben Amorim is expected to be making some serious changes to the squad this summer, with a big overhaul expected.
It remains to be seen if Lindelof is part of the new manager’s plans next season.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.