Jose Mourinho Talks Romelu Lukaku's Fitness, Michael Carrick's Final Match

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said on Wednesday that striker Romelu Lukaku will not play in the club's last two Premier League games of the season because of injury and that Michael Carrick will start their final league match of the campaign against Watford.

Lukaku is sidelined with an ankle problem he picked up against Arsenal on April 29, and Mourinho said the striker's Premier League season is over, per the club's official website.

"In terms of injuries, it's Lukaku and Fellaini. They are the two players who are not available for tomorrow [Thursday]. [Phil] Jones is back, Sanchez is back and there are no more problems. Lukaku will not play in the last league game of the season. Fellaini might—it is a muscular problem. We will wait and see.

"[Carrick] will start the last match at Old Trafford, the last match of the Premier League. Our captain, in front of our fans, he will start the match against Watford."

Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Lukaku's absence will be a blow to the Red Devils, as the Belgium international has been a big hit in his first season at the club since joining from Everton. The 24-year-old has scored 26 goals and been the focal point of their attack.

United will be keen to get him fit in time for the FA Cup final against Chelsea on May 19 at Wembley Stadium. The game represents the Red Devils' only chance of finishing the season with a trophy.

Mourinho offered an update on Lukaku's chances of featuring against Chelsea, per Simon Stoney at BBC Sport:

The club does have plenty of alternatives to fill in for Lukaku. Marcus Rashford is the most obvious choice, but Alexis Sanchez and Anthony Martial can also play as a striker.

Samuel Luckhurst at the Manchester Evening News said Martial deserves a chance up front:

Manchester United need just a point from their final two Premier League games to confirm second place. However, they will have to improve on their performance last time out against Brighton & Hove Albion, against whom they were beaten 1-0. 

Alex Shaw of ESPN FC said it was a pathetic performance:

United's season ends with a visit from Watford on what should be an emotional day for Carrick. The midfielder joined the club in 2006 from Tottenham Hotspur and has won the FA Cup, five Premier League titles and both the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, among other competitions.

Carrick has already announced he will retire at the end of the season, and Mourinho says the midfielder will work as a backroom assistant from this summer, per Marca's Chris Winterburn:

The 36-year-old has not started a Premier League game this season, as his playing time was restricted after he underwent a procedure to treat an irregular heart rhythm. Sunday will offer him one last chance to play for the club before he heads for a coaching role.