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Bereaved Pogba to miss Man United's clash against Southampton

Last updated on: May 17, 2017 16:54 IST

Paul Pogba

IMAGE: Manchester United's Paul Pogba has to attend his father's funeral. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba will miss his side' s Premier League clash against Southampton on Wednesday as he has to attend his father's funeral.

Confirming the news, manager Jose Mourinho said Pogba had been given permission to stay in France rather than St. Mary's after the family bereavement.

"I don't think Paul has the conditions to play; we will let him be completely free to come back when he thinks he is ready to be back," a football website quoted Mourinho as saying.

Pogba's father, Fassou Antoine Pogba, passed away last weekend after facing a long battle with ill-health. He was 79-year-old.

Mourinho, however, confirmed that Anthony Martial would make an appearance, while Daley Blind would be rested ahead of the Europa League final clash against former club Ajax.

"I'm going to rotate some people. Blind will not play against Southampton but Fellaini will, because he has not played the last three matches," Mourinho said.

"[Martial] didn't play against Celta because the options were different but he is fine and he is one of the guys that it is very important for him to play 90 minutes. Smalling, Jones, Mata - it is very important for them to play 90 minutes," he added.

United are bidding to make a top-four Premier League finish with two games against Southampton and Crystal Palace in hand, as they trail Liverpool by eight points with only six points left for grabs.

Source: ANI