Van Gaal's injury concerns for Arsenal test
Louis van Gaal could face a major selection headache for Saturday’s trip to Arsenal, with no fewer than 12 Manchester United players potentially battling injuries after the international break.
David De Gea is a doubt to face the Gunners after dislocating his finger while training with Spain ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifier against Belarus. The Spaniard was not sent back to the Aon Training Complex for treatment, however, which could be a positive sign for Reds supporters.
Meanwhile, the manager will definitely be without summer signing
Marcos Rojo at the Emirates Stadium after he dislocated his shoulder in the Manchester derby. There are question marks over
Rafael, Phil Jones and
Jonny Evans, while
Luke Shaw could miss out after taking a knock in England’s 3-1 win over Scotland.
Midfield enforcer
Daley Blind will watch from the stands after suffering what looked like a serious knee injury in Holland’s 6-0 win over Latvia and
Michael Carrick is struggling for fitness after leaving the England camp with a groin problem. There were also concerns over
Angel Di Maria after he took a kick to the ankle from Nani during Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Portugal at Old Trafford, while long-term absentees
Ashley Young and
Jesse Lingard are both still on the treatment table.
Van Gaal has fewer problems up front with Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and James Wilson all passing through the break unscathed.
Radamel Falcao is the only doubt, though the Colombian is reportedly closing in on a return to action following a three-match absence with a calf injury.
The manager will provide a definitive update on all of United’s injuries during his pre-match press conference at the Aon Training Complex on Friday.
Casualties list
Injury list good enough to play 4-5-1:
Goalkeepers: De Gea
Defenders: Rojo, Rafael, Jones, Evans, Shaw
Midfielders: Blind, Carrick, Di Maria, Young, Lingard
Strikers: Falcao
