Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini’s potential season-long loan move to Napoli has been put into serious doubt following news of a training ground injury suffered by the player.

Fellaini was pictured heading to the hospital on crutches with his left foot in a protective boot following yesterday’s practice.

On Tuesday, it was widely reported that United and Napoli had reached an agreement which would have sent the 26-year-old to Italy on a season-long loan. The transfer was to be finalized as soon as the Belgium international gave his approval to the switch.

Fellaini was to give his decision to Napoli following their Champions League first leg encounter with Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night; a match which ended 1-1.

The Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Napoli agreed to pay United a fee of £4 million in order to secure his services.

What held the deal up for weeks was the fact that United wanted the Italian club to take the player on a permanent basis.

Now, with Fellaini injured, speculation is Rafa Benitez will look elsewhere to strengthen his squad.

The circumstances and timing of this entire transfer saga could not have worked out worse for either club. United won’t be able to off-load the midfielder they paid £27.5 million for last September, while Napoli will need identify another midfielder option with only 11 days remaining before the transfer window shuts.