After seeing Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo all return to action in the last couple of weeks, Jose Mourinho must have been tempted to believe that his major injury problems were behind him. At least for the time being.
Unfortunately for the Manchester United boss, that doesn't seem to be the case.
During Tuesday night's 4-2 Premier League victory over Watford at Vicarage Road, Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic left the pitch after 54 minutes to be replaced by Ander Herrera. It has now been revealed that the former Chelsea man suffered a knock serious enough to rule him out of this weekend's crucial clash against Arsenal, at the Emirates Stadium.
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The news is a bitter blow for Mourinho, with Matic being an ever present in his first team since his £40 million arrival from Chelsea in the summer.
The Serbian's form has been lauded by fans and pundits alike, with his all action displays at the base of United's midfield allowing Paul Pogba a greater license to roam forward.
Matic was withdrawn just before the hour mark with a muscular problem against Watford on Tuesday night. Images: PA
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With Saturday's game against the Gunners a must win for United in order to keep the gap between them and league leaders Manchester City to eight points ahead of next Sunday's Manchester derby at Old Trafford, Mourinho will be hoping one of Ander Herrera or Marouane Fellaini can ably deputise for the missing Matic, who is targeting a return on the 10th December clash against neighbours City.
Speaking of Matic's injury after the victory at Vicarage Road on Tuesday night, Mourinho said, "We lost stability when Nemanja Matic had to come out but the important thing is the three points.
"For Matic to tell me he wants to be replaced, he does not do that if it is nothing important. It is muscular."
(H/T The Mirror)
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: nemanja matic, Football News, Football, Manchester United, Premier League
