Man Utd’s Top 4 Hopes Dented After Club Confirm Fresh Injury Blow

Manchester United have confirmed on ManUtd.com that Juan Mata is set for a spell on the sidelines after undergoing groin surgery.

Speculation grew after Mata failed to check in to the Lowry Hotel with the rest of the United squad on Friday afternoon ahead of today’s Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion.

Fans were hoping the midfielder may have just picked up a knock, however, United released a statement last night confirming that Mata has been forced to go under the knife to cure a groin injury.

The club have refused to divulge any further details or suggest how long the 28-year-old will be sidelined for, but Mata is almost certain to miss the majority of United’s run-in.

A statement on ManUtd.com read:

“Juan Mata has had surgery for a groin injury, further updates on his recovery will follow in due course.”

The news will come as a huge blow to United as Mata has proven to be an important part of Jose Mourinho’s side this season and is always capable of popping up with important goals in key games.

Mata’s absence will be a real blow to United’s hopes of finishing in the top four and it only adds to Mourinho’s injury woes with Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Paul Pogba also on the sidelines while Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera are both suspended.

It’s not clear how long Mata will be out for but you’d expect him to miss at least a month meaning he’ll sit out games with West Brom, Everton, Sunderland, Anderlecht [twice], Chelsea, Burnley, Man City and Swansea.

We’ll have to wait and see how the Spanish international recovers over the coming weeks to see whether he’ll play any part in the final fixtures against Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace.