Juan Mata: Former Man United star provides big update on injury status

Melbourne, Australia — Juan Mata, the 37-year-old former Manchester United and Spain World Cup winner, has confirmed a fractured left elbow sustained in Melbourne Victory’s recent A-League meeting with Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.

Mata, who joined Victory last summer after stints at Galatasaray, Vissel Kobe and Western Sydney Wanderers, had been enjoying a renaissance campaign, registering five goals and 12 assists in 23 appearances. The Spaniard’s highlight reel included a brace in the Melbourne derby capped by a spectacular long-range strike, form that earned him a second club player-of-the-month award this season.

The injury interruption comes at a personal high point for the midfielder, whose 285 Manchester United appearances and 51 goals between 2014 and 2022 made him a fan favourite at Old Trafford. Mata, who also lifted the 2012 Champions League trophy with Chelsea, posted a hospital-bed selfie on Instagram, thanking staff at St John of God Berwick Hospital and surgeon Dr Jason Harvey: “One day less to be back.”

Victory head coach Arthur Diles said the club will place full emphasis on the veteran’s rehabilitation. “It is disappointing to be without Juan through injury, but our priority as Melbourne Victory is supporting his recovery in every way we can. We remain hopeful of him rejoining the team during the 2025/26 season.”

Mata’s expected absence leaves Victory without their most creative influence as the A-League stretch run approaches, yet the club and player alike are targeting a return next campaign.