Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 7y

Man United's Marouane Fellaini set to miss CSKA Moscow trip - sources

MANCHESTER -- Marouane Fellaini is set to miss Manchester United's Champions League clash with CSKA Moscow on Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury against Southampton, sources have told ESPN FC.

Fellaini was on the receiving end of a challenge from Southampton striker Shane Long during the first half of Saturday's 1-0 win at St Mary's. Long appeared to catch Fellaini with his studs on the back of the left leg leaving the Belgium midfielder in considerable pain on the floor. Referee Craig Pawson, however, only deemed the tackle worthy of a yellow card. 

Fellaini was able to complete 90 minutes but sources have told ESPN FC he is unlikely to travel to Russia with the rest of the squad on Monday.

Nemanja Matic is also a doubt after picking up a minor injury against Southampton, leaving manager Jose Mourinho with problems in midfield with Paul Pogba already ruled out with a hamstring injury.

It could leave the United manager with Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera as his only fully fit senior central midfielders ahead of their second game in Group A.

Scott McTominay, 20, is part of the travelling party after he made his first appearance of the season as a substitute in the 4-1 win over Burton Albion in the Carabao Cup last week, and Axel Tuanzebe, who can play in midfield, is also present after returning from a back injury.

Fellaini has been Pogba's replacement in midfield since the France international was forced off in United's first Champions League game of the season against Basel. A decision on whether or not Pogba needs an operation to speed up his recovery will be made this week. 

Mourinho insisted at his pre-Southampton news conference on Friday he still does not know how many games the 24-year-old could miss.

After the trip to CSKA Moscow this week, United face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday ahead of the international break. Their first game after the layoff is against Liverpool at Anfield on Oct. 14.

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