Mata And Herrera Set To Return In Norway

Spain internationals Juan Mata and Ander Herrera should return from injury in Sunday’s match against Valerenga in Oslo, Norway, according to Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho.

Mata has not played for the Reds since picking up an ankle injury in the second half of the 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake at the visually-impressive Rio Tinto Stadium in Utah.

Herrera later suffered a problem of his own in the game against Real Madrid in Santa Clara, leaving the action just four minutes after he was introduced as a half-time substitute.

Both players have trained individually at the club’s Georgetown University base in Washington DC this week, but they are not yet fit enough to feature in Wednesday’s tie with FC Barcelona.

However, while speaking to MUTV, Mourinho provided this positive update on the duo: “They cannot play tomorrow [against Barcelona] but I think they will recover in time to be integrated with the team when we go back to work next Saturday. They will probably play on Sunday [against Valerenga].”

HOW ARE THE OTHER INJURED REDS?

Earlier this week, the boss discussed the progress of injured trio Luke Shaw, Ashley Young and Marcos Rojo, who have all been part of the Tour 2017, presented by Aon, squad this summer.

Despite not being able to play, Mourinho wanted the three players to be part of the travelling group and he is pleased with how their recoveries are coming along. “It’s good to have them here, it’s been good for them to be with us and recover with the group," he told reporters in San Jose on Saturday.

“They have no chance for the beginning of the Premier League season. Luke Shaw is the first one to recover, Marcos will be last and Ash will be in between. Luke is September, Young is October and Rojo is December, or maybe January. The group is really strong and it’s good to be together. It’s important for them to be with us and not be in Manchester working at home.”