Jose Mourinho in training.

Mourinho hints at selection challenge

Tuesday 04 December 2018 10:23

Jose Mourinho suggests his selection options could be restricted for Manchester United's midweek Premier League clash with in-form Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The boss spoke to MUTV before his pre-match press conference, ahead of Wednesday's home game against the Gunners. Unai Emery's side are now in fourth place after beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 in the north London derby at the weekend.

Ashley Young is definitely ruled out for the Reds, through suspension, which could open the door to Antonio Valencia, Diogo Dalot or Matteo Darmian at right-back.

Luke Shaw was withdrawn at Southampton with a knock, as was Romelu Lukaku, while Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic were drafted into a three-man defence alongside Phil Jones. This was because Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly were unavailable, although Marcos Rojo, who is working his way back to full fitness, was on the bench.

Ashley Young misses the Arsenal game due to a one-match ban.

"We are going to be in difficulties again to build the team," Jose admitted to MUTV.

"We are again going to have to make adaptations and compensations to try to give some balance to the team. But then I believe we are again going to have the spirit to fight and to try to win the match."

Meanwhile, Arsenal are assessing the fitness of Mesut Ozil (back), Laurent Koscielny (Achilles) and Nacho Monreal (hamstring). Granit Xhaka is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards, like Young, while former Reds forward Danny Welbeck is a long-term injury victim.

The Gunners' Greek centre-back Dinos Mavropanos, who made his Premier League debut in this fixture last season, is also sidelined with a groin problem.

There will be more United news from Mourinho, including an update on the injuries situation, on ManUtd.com at 22:30 GMT tonight (Tuesday).

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