Man Utd Match Centre
Mourinho Confirms Triple Injury Blow Ahead Of Everton But Star Could Return
Jose Mourinho has confirmed a triple injury blow ahead of Man Utd’s clash with Everton but a key man could return for the game.
Manchester United will be looking to continue their push for the top four when they take on Everton at Old Trafford on Tuesday night.
Ahead of the game, Jose Mourinho has given ManUtd.com a team news and injury update and the Portuguese coach confirmed a triple blow with three of his players facing long spells on the sidelines.
Juan Mata became United’s latest injury victim after undergoing groin surgery late last week and Mourinho has conceded the Spanish international is now expected to be out for a ‘long time’.
Phil Jones sat out the draw with West Brom on Saturday after suffering a broken toe while away with England during the international break and the centre-back is also facing an extended spell on the treatment table.
To make matters worse, Mourinho also confirmed that Chris Smalling is expected to be out for the foreseeable future after sustaining a serious knee injury during the international break.
However, there was more positive news on Paul Pogba as the midfielder was seen doing light training on the Old Trafford pitch after the West Brom game at the weekend having missed the match due to a hamstring injury.
It sparked suggestions that the world’s most expensive player could make his comeback against Everton tomorrow night but Mourinho has refused to confirm whether the midfielder will be available for selection.
Mourinho is quoted as saying by the clubs official website:
“I don’t know about Pogba. I think Mata is out for a long time, Jones and Smalling for a long time, but I cannot say on Pogba. I cannot say he is ready for Tuesday because I don’t know. I don’t think he is such a long-term injury like the others.”
With Jones and Smalling out, Mourinho is expected to stick with Marcos Rojo alongside Eric Bailly in the middle of defence against Everton tomorrow night while Pogba is likely to replace Marouane Fellaini in midfield if he’s passed fit.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to be recalled up front after completing his three-game suspension while Ander Herrera will also come back in to the side after serving his ban.
United head in to the game tomorrow sitting fifth in the table but they remain five points adrift of fourth-placed Man City with a game in hand so they’ll be looking to close that gap with a win over Everton.
