Arsenal vs Manchester United: The injured players Louis van Gaal won't be able to pick on Saturday

Manchester United currently have 10 first-team players injured

Tom Sheen
Monday 17 November 2014 08:22 EST
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United are in the midst of an injury crisis, with 10 first-team players currently unavailable.

The international break has been particularly unkind to Louis van Gaal, with Michael Carrick, David De Gea and Daley Blind joining the wounded within the United squad.

It's not complete doom and gloom, as five of the 10 players injured could return in time to face Arsene Wenger's side at the Emirates on Saturday, but even in a best-case scenario and those players do come back, they are not going to be at full fitness.

Here is an XI (plus captain Wayne Rooney, who is fit and will play barring injury on England duty) that are huge doubts for the crunch Premier League clash.

(4-4-2) Goalkeeper: David De Gea

The first-choice goalkeeper dislocated his finger during training for Spain, though the extent of the damage is not fully known. Has been superb for United this season, with a number of crucial saves.

Right-back: Rafael da Silva

The Brazilian has not played since the draw with Chelsea, though he could play return Arsenal. United's best option at right full-back.

Centre-back: Jonny Evans

Has had a torrid time when he has played this season, and was part of the United teams that lost to MK Dons and Leicester and drew with Burnley. Not played for two months but could also return.

Centre-back: Marcos Rojo

Dislocated his shoulder in the Manchester derby, the Argentine will definitely not play at the Emirates.

Left-back: Daley Blind

Impressed in central midfield during Carrick's absence and equally adept in central defence or left-back, where he played at the World Cup. Early indications are that he suffered knee ligament damage on Netherlands duty.

Right midfield: Jesse Lingard

Started the first game of the season against Swansea at wing back but came off after 24 minutes and hasn't returned. Not likely to come back until at least December.

Centre midfield: Michael Carrick

Pulled out of the England squad but hinted that he would only miss the two matches for Roy Hodgson's team. Has played just two matches for United this season after injury.

Centre midfield: Phil Jones

Mostly plays at the back for Van Gaal, but equally capable of playing in midfield, Jones last played in the draw with West Bromwich. Another that could return at the Emirates.

Left midfield: Ashley Young

He too last played in the draw at The Hawthorns, one of just four appearances this season. He is currently out with a groin injury with no set return date.

Radamel Falcao has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford
Radamel Falcao has struggled since arriving at Old Trafford (Getty Images)

Striker: Radamel Falcao

The Colombian may well play at the Emirates but he continues to struggle with numerous injuries. The loan star has played just five matches this season and has just one goal for his new club.

Striker: Wayne Rooney

Barring injury on England duty, the captain will play - we were a man short of a full XI.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in