Jose Mourinho has confirmed Paul Pogba’s absence in Sunday’s game against Everton after the Frenchman sustained a hamstring injury midweek.
Manchester United are aiming to maintain their fine start to the season as club legend Wayne Rooney returns to Old Trafford. Things have been looking up for the Red Devils and indeed it has been a strong start to the season for the club. However, their list of injuries remain more or less the same – with Paul Pogba being a new addition.
Pogba was named captain for their Champions League match against FC Basel but had to be substituted in the first half due to a muscular problem. He was replaced by Marouane Fellaini but it remains to be seen if the Belgian gets a start against his former club.
The United boss provided an insight into his team’s status during the pre-match press conference. Mourinho began by speaking on Pogba’s fitness. “He is injured and he cannot play on Sunday,” said Mourinho. “I expect we are to play without Pogba for a few matches.”
The Portuguese boss also provided an update on the fitness of Luke Shaw, who is yet to play for the first team this season but has been training with the U-23s. “He is not injured anymore so it is a question of form and it is a question of options. But he is not injured, he is recovered,” confirmed Mourinho.
Meanwhile, Marcos Rojo – another long-term absentee – is yet to recover completely. He has not resumed training yet and it could be a couple of more months before he is deemed fully fit to return to normal training. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also fighting a similar problem, although Mourinho did not put a date on when he might return.
Although defenders Phil Jones and Eric Bailly were both suspended midweek, they will return to action in this encounter. Thus, as a consequence, Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof are liable to drop to the bench once more. Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian will once again push to play in the full-back roles.
The front-line is bereft of any troubles barring Pogba, which does make the side seem well-poised as they welcome Everton to Old Trafford on Sunday.