For some, that could have sent doubts on them being the most likely side to stop a Chelsea juggernaut that has so far only been nearly upset by Manchester City. But even the high-scoring City could only achieve a share of the spoils with Jose Mourinho’s side, leaving United with the first realistic chance of stopping the league favourites when the two sides meet in the league on Sunday. United had a rest during the week, while their London counterparts were in action with a Champions League clash against NK Maribor at home. Add to that the injury to Chelsea striker Diego Costa, who is unlikely to feature in the league game and United have a slight advantage.
Jose Mourinho confirmed the former Atletico Madrid star had not returned to training after he also missed the weekend win away to Crystal Palace with a hamstring problem.
“It is the same problem that he has been having in recent weeks,”
Mourinho told a press conference early on in the week. “I don’t have an idea how long he will be out for.”
German international Andre Schurrle and Brazil midfielder Ramires did feature in Monday’s training session but both were also unavailable for Tuesday’s match, having also returned from international duty with problems. They could also miss out of Sunday’s clash “There are no laws to protect players on international duty. It’s just the mentality of the national teams and their coaches – it’s up to them whether they want to take good care of the players or treat them in a selfish way,” complained Mourinho.
“I don’t tell the players not to go or to pretend to have problem. We like our players to succeed in their national teams, but it’s something that is out of our hands.” Mourinho has been particularly frustrated with Spain’s handling of Costa – the 26-year-old, who has scored nine goals in seven league appearances, featured for his country twice during the international break but returned to west London unable to play.
Also unavailable for Chelsea could be Nigerian holding midfielder, John Obi Mikel with a foot injury.
Post published in: Football