Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph lasted just 19 minutes into his debut against Real Madrid after suffering a suspected hamstring injury, the Daily Mirror reports.
City were taking on the Spaniards in Melbourne, Australia, in a pre-season friendly, and the 25-year-old was forced to limp off after going down midway through the first half.
The England international lined up alongside Fernando in Manuel Pellegini’s side, but with two weeks to go until the start of the new Premier League season, he could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Fabian Delph injured. Villa fans be like… pic.twitter.com/2bbQwMAqup
— The FOOTBALL Bible (@TFBible_) July 24, 2015
Delph only joined the club last week following a dramatic U-turn in his decision to stay at Aston Villa, signing an £8m deal with the title contenders after they activated his release clause (via BBC).
The move prompted a social media backlash from Villa fans, who are no doubt enjoying a hefty dose of schadenfreude with the news.
See their reactions below.
Fabian Delph didn't have his dream debut. Must have been tough for him to make his mind up if he was injured or not? pic.twitter.com/ZsWjaQP05N
— Ball Street (@BallStreet) July 24, 2015
Oh and Delph getting injured, such a damn shame pic.twitter.com/mWivI4y84i
— thomas (@tomfahy1) July 24, 2015
— Tim! (@SlakyFoot) July 24, 2015
— Dips Parmar (@Dips_avfc) July 24, 2015
Hopefully Man City buy another midfielder to cover Delph now who's much better and Delph never gets a look in.
— Longyman AVFC (@Longyman) July 24, 2015
Who's heart is bleeding for Delph, mine certainly isn't. #karma
— Bedford Villan (@Bedford_Villan) July 24, 2015
What a 'shame' to see Delph stretchered off against Real Madrid. Since when did snakes have hamstrings? #avfc pic.twitter.com/R2gL9qvDBo
— Hugo Smyly (@hugosmyly) July 24, 2015
