Manchester United’s hopes of securing Champions League football next season appear to have been dealt a blow with the news that Juan Mata has undergone surgery on a groin injury.
Rumours began to circulate on Friday evening that the Spaniard, who was not selected for his national side for the recent international break, would be unavailable for selection for United’s game with West Brom on Saturday.
The club have since confirmed the news, adding that there will be an update on how long his recovery is expected to take in the days ahead. Although it is not definite that Mata will miss the remainder of the season, this is very much a possibility.
Obviously, this will come as a huge setback to Jose Mourinho, as he prepares his United side for a busy April schedule. United can qualify for next season’s Champions League by securing a top four finish, although a difficult run-in combined with a congested fixture list and mounting injury concerns mean this is looking increasingly difficult.
Failing this, success in the Europa League will also see United return to the Champions League next season, regardless of where they finish in their league campaign. They face Anderlecht in the quarter finals and are regarded favourites to lift the trophy.
Mata joins the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba on United’s injury list. Added to this, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera will also be suspended for the meeting with West Brom on Saturday.
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