‘Positive’ Juan Mata gives update as he recovers from groin surgery

Yet again, Manchester United blew another opportunity to make up ground on the top four this weekend.

Another draw at home, this time 0-0 with West Brom, means winning the Europa League looks to be United's best hope of qualifying for next season's Champions League. Although United managed to carve out (and waste) more than enough chances to win the game on Saturday, they did so without several key players. Top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic was suspended, as was Ander Herrera; Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba were all injured, as was Juan Mata, who the club confirmed during the week was recovering from surgery on his groin. As of yet, it's unclear if the Spaniard will return to first team action before the end of the season. In his latest blog entry, posted on Monday morning, he makes clear his frustration at being sidelined with the injury, but adds that he feels positive and is very much looking forward to returning.

'As you can imagine, I’m writing this post in not the best possible situation, but first of all I’d like to thank you for all your messages of encouragement during the last few days. This situation is new for me, after having surgery this week, but I feel positive and I’m looking forward to getting well and trying to help the team. Besides, right now your messages of support are like an extra power for me.' Catch up with this week's episode of 888Sport Football Friday Live