Mourinho provides a fresh update on Lindelof's injury

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed Victor Lindelof should be out for the next three weeks with a muscle injury.

The defender looked uncomfortable in the latter stages of Saturday’s draw with Crystal Palace and missed our 1-0 win against Young Boys on Tuesday night.

Jose revealed ahead of our victory against the Swiss side that Lindelof would have a scan to assess the extent of his injury.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Mourinho conceded the Swede looks likely to miss United’s next few fixtures.

“I hope that he can play around Christmas time, when we have accumulation of matches,” said Jose. “I would say three weeks, or something like that.”

Mourinho's estimation means the centre-back could be miss the upcoming games against Southampton, Arsenal, Fulham and Liverpool in the Premier League, as well as the final Champions League Group H game against Valencia on 12 December.

However, if Lindelof is indeed back for the busy Christmas period, then he could help Jose rotate his team when there are four games to play in just 12 days.

Using his official Instagram account on Tuesday afternoon, our Sweden international posted this message to supporters.

“Will be working hard to come back as soon as possible. Thanks for all the messages.”

Speaking in last Friday’s pre-match press conference, Jose spoke about the growth Lindelof has made in the last few months.

“I decide to give Victor the opportunity of his evolution,” he said.

“Evolution with some mistakes, yes, because he is young, and especially young in the Premier League, but we decide to give him this continuity which I think it is clear that it improved him by his physical qualities.”

In Lindelof’s absence on Tuesday, Phil Jones was introduced to the team and played superbly alongside Chris Smalling.

Jose also has Eric Bailly available and will be able to turn to Marcos Rojo once he has returned from injury.