Manchester United star Marcos Rojo taken off on a stretcher after suffering knee injury against Anderlecht

MANCHESTER United suffered yet another injury blow on Thursday night after Marcos Rojo was carried off on a stretcher against Anderlecht.

The Argentine suffered a left knee injury during the first half of the Europa League quarter-final second leg at Old Trafford and could not continue.

Pictures appeared to show Rojo saying a prayer as he was carried from the pitch to be replaced by Daley Blind.

Rojo, who suffered the injury during an awkward fall after a tackle on Alexandru Chipciu, has emerged as key player under Jose Mourinho in recent months.

Speaking about the injuries to Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who also suffered a knee problem, Mourinho said: ‘I don’t think they are easy injuries but I prefer to wait until all of the tests are done, then speak what I feel but I cannot do that as I am the manager and not a doctor.’

Asked if the initial news was positive or negative, the Portuguese boss replied: ‘Negative I think.’

In an interview with ITV, Mourinho added: ‘I want to wait for the final tests – but I am not optimistic.’

And when asked if the pair would miss the rest of the season, Mourinho reiterated: ‘For both. I want to wait, I want to wait. But I am not optimistic.’

Rojo now looks set to join central defenders Chris Smalling and Phil Jones on the sidelines.

Smalling suffered a knee problem on international duty with England last month and has only recently removed a protective brace.

The ex-Fulham star, who this week posted a video of himself running in a pool, is expected to return to action in mid-May.

Jones, meanwhile, is also on course to play again before the end of the season as he continues his recovery from a toe injury.

The 25-year-old suffered the problem after a collision with Smalling during an England training session in March.

 

SOURCE: DAILYMAIL