Mkhitaryan injury unlikely to keep him out of Manchester derby

The midfielder suffered an injury this week but is hopeful to be back for Armenia’s World Cup qualifier.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is apparently ready to go after suffering an injury on international duty. The Manchester United man was taken off in the first half after getting hurt against the Czech Republic on Wednesday.

And according to the Manchester Evening News, the 27-year-old is hopeful to play in Armenia’s next match this weekend. That’s a big boost for United, who face Manchester City after the international break.

Mkhitaryan made a great impression in his last appearance for the Red Devils. After coming on as a substitute against Hull City, the Armenian registered four shots and a key pass. He also had more touches than Anthony Martial in fewer minutes on the field. His influence in the final third is one of the reasons United pulled out three points in the final minutes.

That performance might just be what he needed to make the starting XI next weekend. The attacking midfielder has appeared in every Premier League match this year, but has yet to start. Jose Mourinho has selected Juan Mata to start ahead of Mkhitaryan in all three games.

But that may not be the case come next Saturday. Mourinho will be putting his best squad together for his first match in charge of a Manchester derby, and the Armenian has to be involved from the start.

Mata has played well in his own right, but Mkhitaryan brings more to the table. His vision and passing ability will be needed against City’s back four.

He has shown what he’s capable of doing, now it’s time to see him do it for 90 minutes.

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