Mata hopeful of early return

Juan Mata is targeting a return to the Manchester United team before the end of the season.

Jose Mourinho recently ruled Mata out for the rest of the campaign following groin surgery, but the Spanish midfielder, who has missed United's last seven matches, believes he could be available as the club go in search of a top four finish.

"As you can imagine, this month has been a bit too long for me due to my injury… I had never been in a situation like this before (I’ve been very lucky), but the truth is I’m feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season," Mata wrote in his weekly blog.

"I hope so, because that’s all I want: being always available to help and to contribute as much as I can, both on and off the pitch."

United are facing into a busy month with seven Premier League games as well as the Europa League semi-final against Celtia Vigo.

First up is Thursday's Manchester derby when the Red Devils travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on their nearest rivals Manchester City, but their injury list is growing with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo both ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Mata accepts Thursday's game will be difficult but he believes the team will be spurred on by the prospect of a top four finish.

"It was a very important week to stay in the Europa League and get closer to the Champions League spots in the Premier League table, and we had two very positive results, but unfortunately they came at a high price with significant injuries," he wrote.

"By defeating Anderlecht and Burnley, we have made it through the semis in Europe and have approached the top four in the Premier League, but we know there’s still a crucial way to go. The last few days have been very good in terms of results but those good feelings have been tarnished by Marcos and Zlatan's injuries. These situations just happen in football, that’s for sure, although they’re never easy to take… Now it’s time to be patient and strong to face the recovery period and I’m sure both of them will do their best. The rest of the team will support them.

"There’s no truce in the calendar and, this very Thursday, there’s one of those games that every player likes to play: the Manchester derby. Away this time, but we know that, with the top of the table so tight, this is another big chance to make an important step in our fight and keep climbing. I hope you can enjoy a great game and we can get the three points!" 

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