Manchester United have been dealt a blow with midfielder Ander Herrera picking up a hamstring injury in Wednesday’s goalless draw with Sevilla in the Champions League last-16.
The 28-year-old started in place of Paul Pogba but was replaced by the French international after breaking down inside of 20 minutes. Manager Jose Mourinho says Herrera could be out of action for a while.
“I think it is a bad injury. He had a small injury that stopped him playing in the last couple of matches, but the medical department made him 100% ready for last Saturday,” reports the club’s official website.
Mourinho also took aim at the United medical staff, insisting he was told by the team that Herrera was fit to play but clearly wasn’t ready given how long he lasted at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium.
Herrera could now be out of action for a number of weeks, which could now mean Paul Pogba returns to the side on a regular basis again. Nevertheless, Mourinho isn’t pleased that the Spaniard broke down so soon in a game after being conditioned to play.
The 55-year-old added: “We didn’t play him (last Saturday) to give more work and more protection but it looks like he wasn’t fully fit.
“The medical department made him fully fit. He trained and he looked fit. The way he was playing he showed that intensity that is only possible when you are fit.
“He was pressing really high, we were not giving one inch to them. Then the backheel created the contraction in the muscular error and now we have proof he was not 100 per cent fit.”
With Herrera now likely to be ruled out for the February and some of March, Pogba is a shoo-in to return. Youngster Scott McTominay may also keep his place in the midfield alongside Nemanja Matic.
Manchester United next face Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, February 25. After that, the Red Devils have a trip to Crystal Palace on March 5. There’s a slim chance Herrera might miss just one game with his hamstring injury.
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