Jose Mourinho has confirmed Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss Manchester United's trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night but he hopes to have Sunday's match-winner against Tottenham back in the squad soon.
The Armenian's firm finish saw off Spurs at Old Trafford to provide a real boost heading into another Premier League fixture against a side from London as the Reds visit Alan Pardew's Eagles.
"Hopefully, Mkhitaryan can play at Christmas," said Mourinho at his pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.
"We believe it’s possible. When I saw him on the stretcher, I thought it was more difficult; when I watch the tackle on TV, I was a bit scared, but no.