Manchester United midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not ready to return to action when the Red Devils play Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League on Thursday night. Rumours had suggested that he would feature in game but manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed the opposite is true.
Jose Mourinho recognises the importance of tomorrow's #UEL game... #MUFC https://t.co/6f1RhQ5WnR
The Armenian international hasn't played for United since the Manchester derby earlier this month - a game in which he was substituted at half-time after a poor performance and suffering a thigh injury. He will play no part against the Ukrainians despite resuming training.
Luke Shaw will also miss out through illness after being sent home by the club doctor on Wednesday morning when he arrived at the training ground with a fever and sore throat. Staff were keen to avoid any bugs spreading through the rest of the squad.
Mourinho also reveals Henrikh Mkhitaryan won't play against Zorya Luhansk. #MUFC
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was expected to miss the game at Old Trafford after a sighting in Milan prompted rumours of a short holiday for the veteran Swede. But Mourinho has confirmed that the 34-year-old will definitely start.
Anthony Martial has recovered from the ankle injury that was keeping him sidelined. The French forward suffered a nasty clash of heads in his last game against Watford, but Mourinho stated it was the ankle problem that was causing him trouble.
Martial, in the manager's words to the press, is "ready".
Jose on @AnthonyMartial: "He has recovered and is ready for tomorrow."
On @Ibra_official: "He starts." #MUFC pic.twitter.com/Ozy5JJ717S
In Zorya, United face a side currently second in the Ukrainian Premier League after nine games, ahead of 2015/16 champions Dynamo Kyiv and behind only Shakhtar Donetsk.
It's unfortunate for Mkhitaryan that he won't play because he can boast a fine record against Zorya from his time in Ukraine - in three games against the club with Shakhtar, United's current number 22 scored four goals.
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