Mourinho Confirms Huge Double Injury Blow Ahead Of EFL Cup Final vs Southampton

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed a huge double injury blow with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Michael Carrick expected to miss Sunday’s EFL Cup final against Southampton.

Mkhitaryan opened the scoring during United’s 1-0 win at Saint-Etienne in the second leg of their Europa League last-32 tie this evening with the goal helping secure a comfortable 4-0 aggregate victory.

However, the attacker was forced off midway through the first half after suffering a hamstring injury and is now facing a race against time to be fit for the Wembley showpiece this weekend.

Carrick also limped off against Saint-Etienne in the 62nd minute and was replaced by Bastien Schweinsteiger after the Englishman sustained a calf injury.

Speaking to ManUtd.com after the game, Mourinho confirmed the duo’s injuries and says they’ll both undergo further assessment when they arrive back at Carrington tomorrow.

However, the Portuguese coach believes both players won’t have time to recover before Sunday’s clash with Southampton but it opens the door for the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Schweinsteiger.

When asked if the duo would be fit, Mourinho told the clubs website:

“Honestly, I don’t think so. I think Henrikh and Michael are both out. But, this is based on my experience, not on my medical knowledge and not based on tests and what they have to do tomorrow.

“I think no chance but, I repeat, it’s just my experience. A calf, a hamstring, even if it’s a minor injury, some fibre damage, I think they’re out.”

“You can get hurt when you leave your house, you never know when or where. It is a result of so many games. But when someone’s missing, it is the opportunity for another.

“Not having them before the final is complicated. But Marouane and Bastian, two players who do not play so much, gave good answers.”

It will be a huge blow to United if Mkhitaryan and Carrick are ruled out as they’ve both been integral parts of Mourinho’s starting eleven in recent months.

Carrick’s absence could see Paul Pogba deployed in a deeper role alongside Ander Herrera while Mkhitaryan’s injury could open the door for Wayne Rooney to return to the fold if he’s passed fit following a muscle problem.