Nemanja Matic withdrew from Serbia's upcoming Nations League matches on Tuesday with an unspecified injury, throwing into question his status for Manchester United's marquee match against Chelsea following the international break.
United confirmed in a statement that Matic won't play a part in either one of Serbia's contests against Montenegro and Romania. It's also unclear whether he'll recover in time to face the Blues on Oct. 20.
"Matic departed for international duty soon after (the 3-2 win over Newcastle), but he has now returned to the Aon Training Complex to complete his rehabilitation under the club's guidance," United said.
Matic is the second United player in quick succession to leave his national team because of injury, as Luke Shaw was forced out of England camp on Monday with a thigh problem.
If the 30-year-old Matic isn't healthy for the trip to Stamford Bridge, manager Jose Mourinho will have to face his former side without his midfield enforcer. Brazilian pivot Fred, who joined the Red Devils by inking a £52-million deal in the summer, could be in line for his fifth Premier League start.
