“Sharp” back pain ruled Kobbie Mainoo out of England’s World Cup bronze final against France, Thomas Tuchel has said.
Tuchel rotated heavily into the third-place play-off, handing minutes to some fringe members of his squad as England went on to win 6-4.
Mainoo had yet to play a minute at the tournament and was expected to get a run-out in Miami, but was once again left off the team sheet.
He was listed by FIFA as injured on the teamsheet, though Jordan Henderson, who broke his wrist in a freak accident following the last-16 win over Mexico, was named among the substitutes. The FA also issued a statement confirming Mainoo’s injury.
And Tuchel has now issued a more detailed update on the player’s condition, explaining he had picked up a back problem in training.
“Kobbie was injured in the last training session (on Friday) morning,” Tuchel said of the 21-year-old on Saturday. “He had a sharp pain in the back within the training and he was not ready to play.”
Countless supporters have lamented Mainoo’s absence throughout the World Cup. He finished the Premier League season in impressive form under Michael Carrick and appeared in pre-tournament friendlies, but did not feature at all in the World Cup proper despite Declan Rice’s struggles.
Mainoo himself appeared unimpressed with his role in the squad. He cut a dejected figure throughout the tournament and was often the first to leave the dressing room after England matches, returning to the team bus with his hood up and headphones on.
He was in attendance at England vs France in spite of his injury.
Carrick and Manchester United will now be sweating over the player’s fitness as they gear up for what is sure to be a demanding season, which will see them return to the Champions League.
Following some time off, Mainoo will return to Carrington as part of an overhauled United midfield which has been bolstered by the additions of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, signed for around £85m in total.
United were beaten 1-0 by Wrexham in their first pre-season friendly of the summer on Saturday.
