Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed captain Wayne Rooney, defender Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones, along with midfielder Ander Herrera are all set to miss the Red Devils’ upcoming league clash against West Ham United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The England international striker was replaced in the second half during United’s 1-1 draw against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium after getting hit by the opposition player. In addition to this, the Argentine versatile defender suffered an injury during the training session.
Herrera and Jones missed the last league clash and they are still not fit to face the Hammers this weekend. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager admitted losing Rojo is a massive blow for him as he was filling in for Luke Shaw, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a horror injury during the Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven in September.
“It was already in the media – Rojo has been injured. It’s his shoulder, the same as last year, in a training session. It’s very unfortunate, also in the position of Luke Shaw, so I have a great problem,” Van Gaal told MUTV.
“Also the injury of Wayne Rooney is more heavy [serious] than we thought, so neither can play. That’s it I think. Phil Jones is still injured so we have six injuries.”
“It’s a nasty injury. It’s been getting worse but we have to let him train to make the ankle stronger, that’s very important. I cannot say [how long Rooney’s out for] because the doctor shall decide that with Wayne of course. He is training well in the rehabilitation.”
The good news for United is in-form winger Jesse Lingard is fit to face Slaven Bilić’s side at home. Van Gaal said, “Jesse Lingard is coming back which is good news.”
With Rooney and Herrera out for the weekend clash, the Dutchman could field Lingard on the right side of the wing and move Juan Mata in the No 10 role, behind Anthony Martial. Ashley Young could fill in for Rojo in the left-back position, while Memphis Depay is likely to start on the wings.
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