The injury crisis at Manchester United has significantly limited Louis van Gaal’s options as the Red Devils gear up to overturn a 2-1 deficit against FC Midtjylland at Old Trafford.
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal was unable to deliver any positive news with regards to the club’s injury crisis in his pre-match press conference. United captain Wayne Rooney is still sidelined with a knee ligament injury and joins Ashley Young and Luke Shaw on the long-term absentee list.
Midfielders Marouane Fellaini and Bastian Schweinsteiger will also miss out on the crucial Europa League fixture. However, they may return to action in a few weeks. First choice right-back Matteo Darmian is recovering from a dislocated shoulder he suffered in the game against Sunderland two weeks ago.
The return of young Scottish right-back Donald Love will probably not be a source of comfort for Manchester United fans. However, they will be pleased by the fact that defenders Marcos Rojo and Antonio Valencia are back in training. Although Valencia will not be fit to participate in the match against Midtjylland, Rojo is fit to play for 20 minutes and could be used as a substitute in the second half.
Chris Smalling is set to face a late fitness test after he sustained a knock in the FA Cup win against Shrewsbury Town on Monday. David de Gea’s injury meanwhile poses a serious problem for Louis van Gaal. He has confirmed that De Gea will not feature in the Europa League fixture, making it the third straight game that the Spaniard will miss after sustaining his injury.
