Manchester United star midfielder Juan Mata was conspicuously missing as the team travelled to London ahead of their EFL Cup final clash against Southampton at the Wembley on Saturday. His absence drew the attention of many Man Utd fans who feared that he had been axed by Jose Mourinho.
The red devils play the Saints without two of their key midfielders - Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Michael Carrick - who are both injured. This explains why Juan Mata's absence sent the club's fans into panic mode.
However, according to multiple reports from Spain, the former Chelsea man travelled to his home country to bury his grandfather, who had recently passed away. He may, however, make it back in England in time for the Wembley clash. But as things stand right now, his chances of playing on Sunday are still 50-50.
Here are some reactions from the football world on Twitter
Juan Mata was in Spain for the funeral of his grandfather today and is already on his way to London. [COPE] #MUFC
— InsideRedDevils (@insidereddevils) February 25, 2017
Juan Mata set to miss Final
— Ray (@ParkRed) February 25, 2017
His Grandad has died....
RIP
Juan Mata has not traveled to London today as it was the funeral of his grandfather. He is expected to join the squad tomorrow.
— ㅤ (@TheUtdReview) February 25, 2017
Thoughts and heartfelt sympathy to Juan Mata after a family bereavement. Really nice person. Hope if he plays tommorow he has a stormer.
— Andy Shard (@shard_andy) February 25, 2017
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