Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho says Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Michael Carrick looks set to miss their EFL Cup final against Southampton at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
The midfield duo were forced off the field during the Red Devils 1-0 victory over Saint-Etienne in the Europa League Round of 32 on Wednesday.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, as well as to BT Sport after the game, Mourinho provided his early view of the situation, with both players set to be assessed.
The 54-year-old has a strong feeling that the United duo will be out for their clash at Wembley Stadium, despite the players still waiting to be accessed.
โHonestly, I donโt think so. I think Henrikh and Michael are both out. But, this is based on my experience, not on my medical knowledge and not based on tests and what they have to do tomorrow,โ Mourinho told the Manchester United website.
โI think no chance but, I repeat, itโs just my experience. A calf, a hamstring, even if itโs a minor injury, some fibre damage, I think theyโre out.โ
Mkhitaryan was replaced by Marcus Rashford during the first half, while Bastian Schweinsteiger came on in Carrickโs after the break, with Marouane Fellaini also involved after he was named in the starting line-up.
โYou can get hurt when you leave your house, you never know when or where,โ He added.
โIt is a result of so many games. But when someoneโs missing, it is the opportunity for another.
โNot having them before the final is complicated. But Marouane and Bastian, two players who do not play so much, gave good answers.โ
Manchester United will now travel to the Wembley Stadium when they take on Southampton in the EFL Cup finals on Sunday.
Kick-off has been set for 18:30.
Image: Manchester United website