Man Utd Boss Confirms Fresh Injury Blow Ahead Of Chelsea Clash + Lukaku Update

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Anthony Martial is a doubt to face Chelsea in the FA Cup final while Romelu Lukaku is also facing a race against time to make the Wembley showpiece. 

Martial was initially expected to return to the starting eleven against Watford this afternoon with Mourinho suggesting in midweek that he would be recalled after being left out of the draw at West Ham on Thursday.

However, the French international was omitted from the squad to face the Hornets at Old Trafford and Mourinho has confirmed the attacker picked up a knee injury in training on Friday.

Martial was forced to miss training on Saturday and was then deemed unavailable for selection for United’s final Premier League game against Watford this afternoon.

The 22-year-old will be monitored over the coming days but Mourinho has suggested Martial may be running out of time to recover in time to take on Chelsea next weekend.

The United boss also provided a brief update on Lukaku by confirming the striker will return to Carrington on Tuesday to be checked over by medical staff as he looks to return from an ankle injury.

Lukaku has been receiving treatment in Belgium since suffering the problem against Arsenal two weeks ago and it remains to be seen whether he’ll recover in time to face former club Chelsea next Saturday.

Mourinho told ManUtd.com:

“Anthony, I have to wait a bit for more. It’s his knee. He was injured in the Friday training session and yesterday [Saturday] he couldn’t train. He had treatment in the morning at the training ground and he stayed away.”

“I’m waiting for the doctor but when it’s impossible to play today, I have my doubts [for the cup final]. Let’s wait and see, also for Romelu. I know he will be back on Tuesday.”

United managed without Martial and Lukaku today as Marcus Rashford scored the winner during a 1-0 victory over Watford but Mourinho will be praying he has more options in attack next weekend.

Lukaku in particular is a vital player for United as he’s been virtually ever present up front this season so Mourinho will be desperate for his top scorer to be passed fit to take on Chelsea.