Mourinho Braced For Ibrahimovic, Rojo Bad News
Zeeshan Mehtab Published April 21, 2017 | 09:25 AM
MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Apr, 2017 ) : Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said he was preparing for bad news after losing Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo to injury during his side's Europa League quarter-final success against Anderlecht.
"I want to wait, but my feeling is not good for both," Mourinho told reporters after his side's 2-1 extra-time win at Old Trafford on Thursday completed a 3-2 aggregate victory. "I want to wait and I want to try to be optimistic, but I'm not." Centre-back Rojo was stretchered off with a leg injury in the first half, while Ibrahimovic, United's 28-goal top scorer, hobbled off in stoppage time after his right knee bent the wrong way.
Mourinho said he expected to find out more about the two players' injuries within "a couple of days". Marcus Rashford proved a capable deputy for Ibrahimovic, netting a smartly taken winner to send United into the competition semi-finals for the first time.
The 19-year-old had also scored the opening goal in United's 2-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday after Ibrahimovic was rested.
Daley Blind took over from Rojo, but Mourinho has fewer options in central defence, with Chris Smalling and Phil Jones both currently sidelined.
The pair sustained injuries on England duty a month ago, Smalling injuring his knee and Jones his foot. Mourinho said both players would be able to come back sooner than anticipated if they put their minds to it.
"I think it's time for Jones and Smalling to be brave, to risk," said the Portuguese, whose side visit Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday before tackling Manchester City next Thursday. "Because for the team, you have to do everything.
That's the way I think. You cannot do miracles. I don't expect miracles. But you have to try to do everything to accelerate the process. "Even with a crazy mentality, they cannot play Sunday. There are no miracles. "But with a special spirit, you can (play) sooner than expected. So instead of come mid-May, you can come beginning of May."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable ..
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
More Stories From Sports
-
ICC Womens T20 World Cup Qualifier, Match 2: Ireland Women open with Comfortable victory over UAE
53 minutes ago -
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
7 hours ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
8 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
10 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
10 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
10 hours ago
-
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
10 hours ago -
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
10 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
10 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
10 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
10 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
12 hours ago