Jose Mourinho Hopeful Romelu Lukaku Will Be Fit for FA Cup Final

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is hopeful star forward Romelu Lukaku will be fit for the FA Cup final despite his recent injury layoff. 

While the Belgium international won't make United's final game of the Premier League season, against Watford, Mourinho said he hopes his striker will at least be part of the matchday squad when the Red Devils take on Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on May 19.

"We hope he can play in the final," said Mourinho, per the club's official website. "He is in Belgium having his treatment with communication between the doctors in Belgium and our medical department. We are just waiting to see if it's possible for him to be involved in the final. If not starting, then at least on the bench."

The forward picked up an ankle problem in the 2-1 win over Arsenal on April 29, and he was replaced by Marcus Rashford.

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He has not featured in any game for the Red Devils since, and United have looked worse off as an attacking force as a result. In their past two away games, in particular, they have toiled, losing 1-0 at Brighton & Hove Albion and drawing 0-0 at West Ham United.

After the Brighton tussle, in which both Rashford and Anthony Martial started, Mourinho was critical of his forwards and referenced United's No. 9.

"For 10 months, I get asked 'why always Lukaku? Why always Lukaku? Why always this player?'," the United boss said, per BBC Sport. "'That guy doesn't have a chance to start, the other one is on the bench'. You know why now."

As Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News noted, it's clear the manager hasn't been impressed with Rashford and Martial during Lukaku's layoff:

Although there are times when Lukaku is criticised for his work rate, his hold-up play and his performance against big sides, in the main he's been excellent for United in his debut season.

Crucially, he offers a presence up front no other player in the squad can. He bullies defenders with his pace and power. And when chances come his way, Lukaku typically sticks them away, with 27 goals registered in all competitions this term.

The striker will be desperate to get back in time for this fixture against his former club. Lukaku starred against the Blues in a 2-1 win earlier in the campaign, scoring one and setting up the other for United.