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Marouane Fellaini likely to be available for Manchester United's trip to Chelsea

Fellaini missed Belgium's midweek draw with Netherlands: AFP/Getty Images
Fellaini missed Belgium's midweek draw with Netherlands: AFP/Getty Images

Roberto Martinez has eased concerns over Marouane Fellaini – declaring the midfielder should be available for Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea following an injury scare.

Fellaini was not deemed fit enough to make the Belgium squad for their 1-1 draw with Netherlands on Tuesday – but Martinez revealed his absence was a precautionary measure.

“He should be fine, he just wasn’t 100 percent,” said the Belgium coach. “He’s got a very important game at the weekend and it wasn’t a game today to use players that weren’t 100 percent.

“We expect he should be fine the next couple of days.”

Nemanja Matic is already a doubt for Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge after being sent home by Serbia for an unspecified injury.

But Jose Mourinho is hoping Luke Shaw will overcome a knock that ruled him out of England’s Nations League games against Croatia and Spain.

Jesse Lingard could also come back into contention after undergoing treatment on a groin injury that has troubled him since the start of the season.

Fellaini has been among United’s more impressive performers this season – and played a key role in the dramatic 3-2 win against Newcastle before the international break.

If Matic is not available to face his former club, Fellaini would be the obvious alternative.