Man Utd Boss Reveals Fresh Injury Concern Ahead Of Chelsea Trip

Jose Mourinho has revealed that Jesse Lingard is an early doubt for Manchester United’s trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea this weekend.

Just a week after scoring two goals against Swansea in the League Cup, Lingard was recalled to the starting eleven for United’s Champions League group stage clash with Benfica at Old Trafford last night.

An unfortunate own goal from goalkeeper Mile Svilar and a Daley Blind penalty midway through the second half secured a 2-0 victory that puts United on the verge of qualification to the knockout stages.

However, Lingard was unable to complete the full ninety minutes as the 24-year-old was replaced by Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the break having picked up a back injury during the first half.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Mourinho confirmed that Lingard sustained a back problem during the opening forty-five minutes but he hopes it won’t be anything too serious.

The United boss also expressed his delight at registering anything three points while keeping a clean sheet and he also pointed out the fact he handed a start to youngster Scott McTominay.

Mourinho is quoted as saying by the Metro.

‘I’m more than happy. We changed a lot of players, we broke the natural dynamic of the team and the routine.

‘Also we played a kid from the academy [Scott McTominay], we scored two goals, we didn’t concede – three more points, more money for the club.

‘No significant injuries, just something in Jesse’s back but hopefully nothing important.’

United will no doubt further assess Lingard’s back injury at Carrington today but the attacker is now considered a doubt for Sunday’s huge trip to Stamford Bridge where the Red Devils will take on Chelsea.

Luckily for United they have plenty of attacking options if the England international is ruled out as the likes of Mkhitaryan, Ashley Young and Marcus Rashford are all pushing for recalls after being named on the bench last night.

United head to west London sitting second in the Premier League table – four points above fourth-placed Chelsea – so they can cement their position with a positive result at Stamford Bridge this weekend.