Manchester United's luck with injuries this season has nearly been as bad as their form in the Premier League.
Just when it seemed like there was light at the end of the tunnel, with Amad expected to be back sooner rather than later - as well as Matthijs de Ligt - the Reds received another unexpected blow. Ruben Amorim confirmed in his press conference that Diogo Dalot is struggling with something in his calf, and will therefore miss the next few weeks of action.
This blow could not have happened at a worse-possible time considering the high-profile nature of the upcoming matches with Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League semi-finals. Ordinarily, this would not be an issue in isolation with Noussair Mazraoui moving into the right wing-back role - and Patrick Dorgu supplementing on the left flank.
But owing to injuries in their back-line, Mazraoui is needed in the back three. De Ligt is expected to be back soon, but he will not be rushed so as to avoid a flare up of his injury.
Luke Shaw is back to fitness but, after playing less than 90 minutes against Lyon, he was then dropped out of the squad entirely as Amorim chose to be mindful of reagitating the injury. With Tyrell Malacia on loan it leaves United with one more possible solution - Harry Amass.
The youngster made his full Premier League debut at Newcastle United recently and then featured from the start against Wolves a week later. Amass is still adapting to senior football - but he's been highly-rated since before the Amorim era.
Many expected him to play more of a part this season, but Erik ten Hag chose to keep him in the academy set-up. Now, out of necessity if nothing else, United need Amass to step-up.
Even when De Ligt returns and Mazraoui is available to play wing-back, Amass will still be a regular in line-ups and matchday squads considering lingering fears surrounding Shaw's fitness. It may be a case that the 18-year-old has to start next week in Bilbao which shall be a baptism of fire considering the importance of the game for both clubs.
These next few weeks will not make or break Amass' career at United - far from it - but he is now being thrust into competitive men's football where he will learn lessons that he should be able to carry throughout his playing years. It is not ideal, but this unfortunate event could help shape a new regular for the Reds.
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