Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that his star striker Romelu Lukaku may not be fit to start the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 19 at Wembley.
The Belgian striker has been out of action since he injured his ankle in a clash with Arsenal centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos during United’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners a couple of weeks ago.
Although it was originally thought that the 24-year-old would make it back in time for the Cup final showdown against his former club, Mourinho has now revealed that a place on the bench may be the best he can hope for:
“We hope he can play in the final,” said the Portuguese coach.
“He is in Belgium, having his treatment with communication between the doctors in Belgium and our medical department.
“We are just waiting to see if it’s possible for him to be involved in the final. If not starting, then at least on the bench.”
Lukaku has made a solid start to life at Old Trafford since his £75 million move from Everton last summer, netting 26 goals in all competitions.
He has however come in for some heavy criticism from fans and the media at times during his maiden United campaign, although Mourinho has repeatedly expressed his faith in his striker and will be loath to go into the Cup final without him in his starting XI.