Juan Mata has recovered in swift fashion to be back into the provisional matchday squad as Manchester United host Swansea on Sunday.
Manchester United are embroiled in injury issues as they seek a place in the top four of the Premier League. However, Jose Mourinho would be glad to see Juan Mata return quicker than expected. The Spaniard was touted to be out for the remainder of the season. But, he has now regained fitness and is in the provisional matchday squad.
While Juan Mata adds an option in the attack, Jose Mourinho is focusing more on the issues at the back. Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Marcos Rojo and even Timothy Fosu-Mensah are injured. The aforementioned problems could well see Axel Tuanzebe tuck in at the back as the manager opined in the pre-match conference.
“I am also training hard in the gym so I can be an option also – Mourinho and Tuanzebe against Swansea! In this moment, Eric is the only option we have – it’s Axel, Eric and Daley [Blind]. I think Eric and Daley played again absolutely amazing [against City]. I have to speak with them and see how they are and see how they feel.”
Mourinho and Tuanzebe at CB! What a partnership that could be! Haha! – #mufc pic.twitter.com/c0E3xYE9Zz
— FifaFountain64™ (@FifaFountain64) April 28, 2017
Jose also lamented at the fixture congestion, which has caused several injuries out of fatigue and the Portuguese said that his side has been immensely unlucky with injuries.
“We’re arriving at an extreme situation where I think it must be unique in football with two cruciate ligament injuries in the same match. In my career, I had one player in 17 years [injuring his cruciate]. Now, against Anderlecht, I have two in one match and we are very unlucky, it’s the only thing we can say.”
“The other small injuries – Pogba and [Antonio] Valencia in the last week – are injuries due to fatigue and the accumulation of matches, which is normal.”
Marcus Rashford could be rested ahead of the mid-week Europa League semi-final clash against Celta Vigo and Anthony Martial could be deployed in a forward role.
For Swansea, Leroy Fer and Jack Cork are doubtful for the away fixture, which could see Leon Britton be called upon again after the veteran made his first appearance in four months last gameweek.
