Jose Mourinho appeared to play down long-term concerns about Romelu Lukaku, after the striker was stretchered off during Manchester United’s 0-0 draw with Southampton on Saturday evening.
The Belgian went down after clashing heads with Wesley Hoedt and was treated on the pitch by United’s medical staff for almost four minutes. It was soon clear his afternoon was over, and as he was carried off to applause from all corners of Old Trafford, he was replaced by Marcus Rashford.
“I know that only bad, bad news arrives immediately,” Mourinho said in his post match press conference. “The bad news didn’t arrive,” he added.
Unsurprisingly, the United boss confirmed Lukaku will not play against former club Everton on New Year’s Day, estimating the 24-year-old will be out for at least the next two games.
“There is a problem, not just for today but for the next two games for sure, I would say.”
After Everton, United host Derby County in the FA Cup on Friday night before returning to league action against Stoke City ten days later.
The goalless draw with Southampton sees United drop to third following Chelsea’s 5-0 win against Stoke earlier in the afternoon.
