Mourinho will be forced to break up his Manchester United back four in the Premier League for the first time in four matches at Crystal Palace after Antonio Valencia picked up his fifth yellow card of the season.
The Ecuadorian right back was booked in the 32nd minute in the Reds 1-0 Old Trafford victory over Spurs for a foul on Danny Rose
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. It’s a pity, because he’s going to miss matches in his best period, but at least we won’t lose a player for so long."
The United manager has options in the middle of defence due to Eric Bailly's return to fitness and the splendid form of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo of late.
"They’ve done very well," he said of Jones and Rojo. "I think you are a journalist and you are the one who admits they deserve more. There is a concept sometimes around you that some players deserve more for good and for bad, more headlines than others, but I don’t think they’re worried about that.
TEAM NEWS
Crystal Palace will monitor both James Tomkins and Bakary Sako ahead of Manchester United's visit after both were ruled out of the trip to Hull with minor knocks.
The Eagles will be without Jason Puncheon, who picked up his fifth booking of the campaign during the 3-3 draw at the KCOM Stadium.
Meanwhile, Mandanda, Wickham and Remy all remain on the sidleines as they recover from injury.
The visitors will be without Antonio Valencia, who is suspended, while Henrikh Mkhitryan is sidelined with an ankle problem.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Crystal Palace starting XI: Hennessey, Tomkins, Dann, Delaney, Ward, McArthur, Ledley, Zaha, Cabaye, Townsend, Benteke
Manchester United starting XI: De Gea, Darmian, Blind, Jones, Rojo, Herrera, Carrick, Mata, Pogba, Martial, Ibrahimovic
AgaasportNews Predicted Scores:
Crystal Palace 1 Man,United 2
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