Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not injured and his omission in the squad is based on his adaptability to life in the Premier League.
The Old Trafford faithful can finally heave a sigh of relief as Jose Mourinho, in his pre-match press conference, explained that Mkhitaryan’s omission in the first-team squad is due to his adaptability to life in England and that there are no signs of an injury or a possible rift with the manager.
“Mkhitaryan is not injured, he is training with the team 100%.
“Some players have the profile of adapting easily but some other players need more time to feel the intensity. Some players need time to feel the competitiveness and the level of work without the ball.
“Mkhi needs time to become the top player we know he can be,” Mourinho said while addressing the press in the buildup to Saturday’s game against Burnley.
Mourinho will, however, be bereft of the services of his defensive stalwart Eric Bailly. The Ivorian centre-back joined the club in the summer for £30 million and has grown from strength to strength to become one of the manager’s first names on the team sheet.
But due to an injury sustained against Chelsea, Mourinho will have to make-do without the Ivorian’s monstrous presence at the heart of the defence. Ed Aarons of the Guardian stated that the player could be out until Christmas – leaving United short of options at the back.
Another defender who continues to be ruled out is Phil Jones who is back in training, but quite not fit enough to challenge for a spot in the matchday squad against Burnley.
Mourinho will also be fretting over the fitness of star attacker Marcus Rashford. The English striker has been deployed as a winger this season, but has been a key part of the manager’s plans. His absence could see Anthony Martial return to starting lineup.
Another player who is doubtful is Marouane Fellaini after he picked up a slight injury in the game against Chelsea. Despite being part of the squad against Manchester City on Wednesday, it is unlikely that he will be starting the game on the weekend.
