As Manchester United look to bounce back from that shock defeat to Swansea City last week, they were dealt with a nasty blow as top goalscorer Robin Van Persie was ruled out for several weeks, following an ankle injury.
While Van Persie hasna t been in top form, United have struggled for goals this season and his 10 goals in 26 appearances make him the cluba s premier striker for this year. The Dutchman was forced to stay on until the end of the game last time out, despite injuring that ankle as United were trailing and had used up all their substitutes.
At his weekly press conference, manager Louis Van Gaal gave an update on his compatriota s injury.
a He is injured,” said Van Gaal. “He is the only injured player we have, so we changed Michael Carrick for Robin van Persie.
“He has ankle problem but I don’t think it’s too heavy [bad] but with an ankle problem it takes a long time.
“It is not one or two weeks, but we will have to wait and see.”
The injury, of course, means Van Persie will miss out on the FA Cup showdown with former club Arsenal which takes place on Monday a March 10th.
When questioned about his striking options and whether or not much maligned striker Radamel Falcao will return to the first team, Van Gaal was coy, before announcing that young striker James Wilson has also recovered from the dead leg he suffered recently.
“The possibility is higher of course, because Falcao is a striker and another striker has to play now,” said Van Gaal.
“But you will have to see. I never give you any openings [information on who is in the starting line-up].”
Van Gaal, then, elaborated on the injury situation which is good news for United, keeping in mind the number of injuries that the manager has had to deal with over the months.
He talked about, Uniteda s rock in the center of midfield a Michael Carrick.
a It is of course always important that players are coming back from injuries but he is my second captain,” said Van Gaal. “He is very experienced and he can play in a very important position, but he also needs match rhythm.
“He trained only one time with us, with the group so he needs to also play in the second team.”