Jose Mourinho surprised by Manchester United injuries but Luke Shaw and Nemanja Matic declared fit to face Chelsea

Jose Mourinho claims Manchester United have suffered ‘important injuries’ during the international break – but has been boosted by Luke Shaw and Nemanja Matic both being declared for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea.

Marcos Rojo is also in contention to play for the first time this season, while Ander Herrera is available after an ankle injury.

But Mourinho suggested there were deeper fitness concerns ahead of his return to Stamford Bridge in what is a must-win game for United.

“The squad shape is that everybody available is selected,” said the United manager. “Some came back in good condition and the happiness of some good results.

"Some came back with injuries, injuries that we were aware of when they happened and the national teams were correct in sending the boys back.

“We also had surprises with players that we had no idea that they were injured and they arrived with important injuries.”

Shaw is back despite pulling out of the England squad for the games against Croatia and Spain after sustaining a knock in United’s 3-2 win against Newcastle just before the international break.

Matic was also a doubt for the game against his former club when being sent home by Serbia to receive treatment for a back injury – but is available.

But the biggest surprise in United’s travelling party for the lunchtime kick off against Chelsea was Rojo, who has been out since suffering injury for Argentina at the World Cup.

The centre back then suffered a further setback when limping out of his comeback game for the under 23s last month.

Another returning player is Herrera, who has recovered from an ankle injury sustained last month.

“He trained two days but, with the situation we have, is one step forward and he’s ready to help us,” Mourinho added.

Meanwhile, Mourinho has revealed his frustration at the timing of the latest international break - coming after United’s morale-boosting win against Newcastle.

He immediately had to watch the majority of his players join up with their national teams at a time when he wanted to build on the dramatic comeback against Rafa Benitez’ side.

“I felt that after the match (there was a change of attitude),” he said. “It looks an eternity - they go and they come and they come back step by step and even today we don’t have every player back.

“So it is a bit strange when you come from the international week, but I think the feelings of the last match remain so the players are fine, are happy and focused on the match.”