Juan Mata has been plying his trade in Australia with Melbourne Victory, but the ex-Manchester United midfielder is now recovering from a nasty injury
Juan Mata of the Victory celebrates a goal during the round 22 A-League Men match between Melbourne Victory and Central Coast Mariners at AAMI Park on March 21, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia
Juan Mata is now playing for Australian side Melbourne victory(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata uploaded a selfie from his hospital bed after undergoing surgery. The ex-Red is now playing for Australian side Melbourne Victory.
He has been a huge player for the Aussie heavyweights, helping himself to five goals and 12 assists in 23 A-League appearances this season. However, he suffered a fracture to his left elbow during Victory's clash against Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
It's understood there are "further surgical consultations" ahead for the Spaniard, with more steps set to be taken. However, he sent a message to his followers on social media with a post on Instagram.
Mata uploaded a selfie of himself from his hospital bed with his left arm in a sling. He said: "Thanks very much to everyone at St John of God Berwich Hospital. And special thanks to Dr Jason Harvey and his team. One day less to be back."
The status of his injury was confirmed in a statement released by Victory on their club website. It read: "Melbourne Victory is able to provide the following update for Juan Mata.
"The Spaniard will undergo surgery today on a fracture to his left elbow sustained during the first half of last weekend’s Isuzu UTE A-League match against Wellington Phoenix at AAMI Park.
Juan Mata in a hospital bed with his left arm in a sling
Juan Mata in a hospital bed with his left arm in a sling
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"Scans on Sunday evening confirmed the fracture, with further surgical consultations dictating the next steps. A-League Men’s Head Coach, Arthur Diles, commented: '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 re-joining the team during the 2025/26 season.”
Mata was recently named as the club's Player of the Month for March, after the club's fanbase voted for him. As well as topping the assist charts for the division, he has also created the most chances in the league, while also ranking second for expected assists.
Juan Mata of Manchester United interacts with the crowd after the final whistle of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Brentford at Old Trafford on May 02, 2022 in Manchester, England
Mata left United as a free agent and joined Galatasaray in the summer of 2022(Image: 2022 Getty Images)
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Mata has been playing in Australia since the summer of 2024, when he joined Western Sydney after a short spell with Japanese side Vissel Kobe. He made the move to Melbourne the following summer and has been there since.
When he joined the club, he said he wants to inspire the young players within Victory's academy. The World Cup winner said: "They know that I’m here for anything they might need.
"I’ll try to help them as much as I can on the pitch with my game and with my years of experience. I really believe that the future can be bright in Australian football, because the willingness and potential is there, they only need the confidence.
"I only see a way up. I only see that this country is going to keep improving.”