Jose Mourinho has several roster issues to jostle as Manchester United brace themselves for a tricky away Champions League tie at CSKA Moscow.
The Manchester United midfield is reeling at the moment, with Jose Mourinho confirming the absence of trio Paul Pogba, Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini. The manager has also confirmed that Phil Jones will miss the tie against CSKA Moscow as well.
Talking to the press ahead of the trip to Russia, Jose Mourinho lamented on the absence of the trio while also highlighting that he expects Fellaini to return to action soon.
“I won’t have Fellaini, I won’t have Pogba, we won’t have Carrick, so all three midfield players that we lose for this match. It was only when I saw it on TV that I realised that Fellaini was very lucky [not to have a serious injury]. I do not expect him to be out for long.”
Jose Mourinho tells #MUTV Phil Jones will also miss Wednesday’s #UCL meeting with CSKA Moscow. pic.twitter.com/Q0VG73lcJ8
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 26, 2017
Meanwhile, Eric Bailly is set to make his long-awaited debut in the UEFA Champions League, a dream come true for the Ivorian as he himself highlighted his excitement to finally be able to make his mark in the Elite European competition.
“With regards to the Champions League, I’m available. My suspension has finished now and I am very happy. It’s something I’ve been looking forward to so much. My dream of the Champions League is about to come true. I am happy and I am mentally ready for the game.”
Phil Jones is unavailable, which is likely to thrust Victor Lindelof into the lineup again. The manager was sympathetic towards the Swede’s lack of game time leading up to the game and iterated that the defender will be given more playing time as the season progresses.
“In the future, Lindelof is going to have more opportunities,” says Jose. “He will improve step by step like the good player he is.” #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 26, 2017
“In the future, Lindelof is going to have more opportunities. He will improve step by step like the good player he is.”
Matteo Darmian is expected to step into Antonio Valencia’s shoes, who has been rested for the tie. The bone of contention, though, will be the goalkeeping spot and the left-back position. With the fixture massively important, Mourinho is expected to field David De Gea in goal.
The left-back area is a complicated one. Luke Shaw has not travelled to Moscow, which makes it a two-way duel between Ashley Young and Daley Blind for the position.
