Manchester United news: Jose Mourinho facing injury crisis with seven players set to be unavailable for Arsenal clash
Mourinho has reportedly ordered a review of United's medical set-up in a bid to improve procedures at the club
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Seven Manchester United players could be ruled out of the side’s weekend clash against Arsenal as manager Jose Mourinho faces a mounting injury crisis at the club.
Centre-halves Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling are both unavailable through injury. The former is not expected back until at least Christmas after sustaining knee ligament damage during his side’s 4-0 defeat by Chelsea last month.
The Ivorian has impressed under Mourinho and his presence in United's backline has been sorely missed.
As for Smalling, the true extent of the player’s injury – an alleged broken toe – remains clouded in confusion. United have partially denied the reports and played down the severity of Smalling’s injury to The Independent, without confirming how long the centre-back will remain absent for.
This follows Mourinho’s recent remarks in which he controversially questioned the commitment shown by Smalling and full-back Luke Shaw.
Shaw is similarly in doubt having been hampered by pains in the right leg he broke last season. The Englishman, who uploaded a video of himself working on his fitness over the weekend break, is likely to undergo more rigorous assessment on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Antonio Valenica’s broken arm continues to keep the Ecuadorian out of Mourinho’s match day squads, completing the quartet of defensive causalities the club faces.
Further up the field, Marouane Fellaini continues to struggle to recover from a calf injury he picked up during United’s 3-1 win over Swansea while Wayne Rooney’s swollen knee is likely to keep him sidelined.
The United captain was withdrawn from the England camp on Monday afternoon and is being assessed to determine his fitness.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic misses Saturday’s crunch match due to suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season against Swansea two weekends ago.
According to the Times, Mourinho has grown “hugely frustrated” with United’s growing injury list and has ordered a review of the club’s medical set-up in a bid to improve procedures.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments