The 25-year-old Belgian is racing against time to be fit for Saturday’s final.
Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku (Photo: AFP)
Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole is backing Romelu Lukaku to shrug off an ankle injury in time for Saturday’s FA Cup final with Chelsea.
“I’ve watched him (Lukaku) all season, like everybody else,” Cole was quoted as saying by the club website.
Lukaku, despite coming in for plenty of criticism, has been banging in the goals for the Red Devils in his debut season.
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The 25-year-old is their top scorer with 26 strikes in all competitions.
“I think he looks fantastic. To get the goals he’s got this season, in a team that doesn’t create loads of chances for him, he’s done brilliantly and really well considering it’s his first season at Old Trafford.”
The burly Belgian, however, has been missing in action since April 28 with an ankle complaint.
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“It’s not nice when you’ve got that little bit of rhythm and pick up an injury. You know you’ve got a massive game coming up and are a bit touch and go or whatever. So it may be difficult for him but, hopefully, he’ll be passed fit and do the best he can.”
Lukaku’s immediately flew to his native Belgium after getting injured to undergo rehab and while he is back in England, it remains to be seen if he can be fit in time for the May 19 clash with his former side.
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“It’s not every year you’re going to get to the FA Cup final. There are no doubts that, if he’s even 90, 80 or 70 per cent fit, he’ll give it a go,” the 46-year-old Cole, who won the FA Cup with United twice, insisted.
Without Lukaku, United have looked largely toothless in attack and Cole’s comments suggest Jose Mourinho would be willing to take a bit of a gamble by starting the Belgian striker even if he’s not completely recovered.
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