The Daily Telegraph - Sport

Mourinho dealt injury setback as Pogba faces month out

- By James Ducker

Manchester United fear Paul Pogba will be out injured for at least four weeks in what would be a huge blow to manager Jose Mourinho.

The France midfielder was substitute­d 19 minutes into United’s 3-0 win over Basel at Old Trafford on Tuesday after stretching awkwardly to win the ball in a challenge with Mohamed Elyounouss­i and injuring his left hamstring.

Pogba is thought to have undergone a scan yesterday but United

are not expected to know the full extent of the damage until he has undergone further tests.

Around a month on the sidelines is thought to be the best-case scenario but it could be up to six weeks if the worst fears are realised.

Pogba was struggling to walk after the game. He is also thought to have felt some discomfort to his left thigh and left Old Trafford on crutches.

If prediction­s of a month out are right, that would rule Pogba out of the Premier League games against Everton, Southampto­n, Crystal Palace and Liverpool, as well as the Champions League game at CSKA Moscow and the League Cup third round tie at home to Burton Albion.

Marouane Fellaini replaced Pogba and impressed in the Frenchman’s absence. His injury is also likely to mean Ander Herrera, who

was omitted from the squad against Basel, being brought back into the fold after being largely overlooked this season.

Mourinho is understood to want more from Herrera, who has started just two games this term.

“Paul’s going to be a massive miss for us and hopefully we can get him back fit as soon as possible,” striker Marcus Rashford said.

“That’s why you have such a strong squad. It’s good for the manager, it’s good for the players as well because we’re always fighting for competitio­n.”

 ??  ?? Sidelined: United midfielder Paul Pogba has damaged his hamstring
Sidelined: United midfielder Paul Pogba has damaged his hamstring

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom