Manchester United injury news: Juan Mata targets early return from groin injury

Mata was forced to undergo a groin surgery late in March and was expected to miss the rest of the season.

Manchester United star Juan Mata is ready to hand Jose Mourinho an injury boost as the Spain international is targeting an early return from injury.

The 28-year-old last featured for the Red Devils in their 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough on 19 March. He was forced to undergo groin surgery later that month and the Portuguese tactician earlier confirmed that his star man will miss the rest of the season.

Mata, however, remains hopeful he can feature again this season and help United in the "last spell of the season".

"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. A million thanks for all your messages wishing me a speedy recovery, I'm getting closer!"

United have a tough run in the Premier League as they face Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in their next four league matches. The Red Devils have also progressed to the semi-final of the Europa League and will face Celta Vigo in the last four of the competition.

The two legs of the European semi-final clash will be sandwiched between the league tie against Arsenal at the Emirates in May. United are already without several first team players and Marcos Rojo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the latest additions to join the list. The defender and the striker suffered serious knee injuries in their Europa League extra-time victory over Anderlecht.

In addition, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones are also recovering from their injuries they picked up during the last international break. Mourinho has urged the England international duo to do a "last push" and be ready for the Manchester derby at the Etihad on 27 April.

Mata's latest comments will come as a welcome boost for the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid manager ahead of the busy schedule in the last month of the season.