Juan Mata may have already played his last game of the season after Manchester United announced the Spaniard underwent groin surgery on Thursday.
The Spain international has been in sublime form for United this season but is now set to miss an important run of nine matches in April and could even be out for the remainder of the campaign.
It comes as dreadful timing for United manager Jose Mourinho, who is already without a string of first team names for Saturday’s match against West Brom.
United will already be without Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Ander Herrera because of suspension, while Chris Smalling and Phil Jones returned from international duty with England with long-term injuries. Paul Pogba is also still on the road to recovery from a hamstring injury picked up before the international break.
Many thought Mata would be ushered out the door when Mourinho was made United manager at the start of the season but the 28-year-old has actually been one of United’s best players this season.
In fact, only Ibrahimovic (15) has scored more goals in the Premier League this season for United than Mata (6).
For more stats on Juan Mata, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
