MANCHESTER -- Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Wayne Rooney will be in Manchester United's squad for the EFL Cup final on Sunday after praising the player's decision to issue a statement clarifying his future at Old Trafford.
Rooney, 31, has not figured for Mourinho's team since making a substitute appearance against Hull City at the beginning of February, with injury forcing the United and England captain on the sidelines.
Despite returning to training on Tuesday, Rooney was left out of the squad for Wednesday's Europa League tie against St Etienne with speculation swirling around his future amid reports of an imminent move to the Chinese Super League.
But after Rooney insisted he will remain at the club to "fight on four fronts" this season, Mourinho insists that his club captain can still play a significant part for the team -- starting with Sunday's Wembley clash against Southampton.
"This should be the last question about Rooney until end of season," Mourinho told a news conference. "He stays, he wants to help us win trophies.
"I said I would be happy if the decision, but yes, he is fine and trains with the team.
"He didn't go to St Etienne, but no doubt, he is involved in the game on Sunday.
"I think, in the right moment, he did his statement.
"I told you that the questions you were asking me in St Etienne were questions only he could answer, but he answered it at exactly the right moment."
Mourinho, meanwhile, confirmed that Michael Carrick has shaken off a calf injury in time to face Southampton. But United will be without hamstring injury victim Henrikh Mkhitaryan at the weekend.
"Michael is available," Mourinho said. "Clever experience, he left the pitch in the right moment, but Mkhitaryan out.
"Phil Jones? Let's see tomorrow."