Jose Mourinho gives latest Man United injury update ahead of Celta Vigo trip

Jose Mourinho says he is not expecting Phil Jones or Chris Smalling to be back available for Manchester United’s crunch clash with Celta Vigo on Thursday night.

The defensive pair have been out injured in recent weeks and were joined on the sidelines by both Luke Shaw and Eric Bailly, who both limped out of the 1-1 draw with Swansea City on Sunday afternoon at Old Trafford.

Mourinho is now preparing his team for their crunch semi-final clash against Celta Vigo as the Portuguese coach looks to steer his side into the Champions League by winning the Europa League this season.

However, the Portuguese coach has revealed that he is not expecting to be able to welcome Smalling or Jones back to his squad for Thursday’s game.

Mourinho told Manchester United’s website: “I don’t think they will [Jones or Smalling be fit].

“That’s my personal opinion, I don’t think they will but I know the players I choose will give everything.

“It doesn’t matter if I go with [Matteo] Darmian [as a] central defender or [Michael] Carrick or Axel [Tuanzebe], I trust the boys.”

The good news for Manchester United fans is that Juan Mata is back available for selection again after his lay-off with a groin injury.

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The Red Devils will then return to Premier League action on Sunday afternoon with a crunch clash against Arsenal at The Emirates.