Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata says he'll be fit to play before the end of this season.

The Spanish midfielder had surgery to repair a hernia at the end of last month and has missed United's last seven matches.

Mata said in his weekly blog: “As you can imagine, this month has been a bit too long for me due to my injury. I had never been in a situation like this before. I've been very lucky.

“But the truth is I'm feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season. I hope so, because that's all I want: being always available to help and to contribute as much as I can, both on and off the pitch.

“A million thanks for all your messages wishing me a speedy recovery, I'm getting closer!

“There's no truce in the calendar and this very Thursday there's one of those games that every player likes to play: the Manchester derby . Away this time, but we know that, with the top of the table so tight, this is another big chance to make an important step in our fight and keep climbing."