The international break really summed up Louis van Gaal’s luck as Manchester United manager so far.
He hoped that the break would give some of the injured time to recover but, instead, there are more casualties to deal with. David de Gea, Daley Blind and Michael Carrick are the latest to get hurt, leaving Manchester United with a big headache ahead of Arsenal. The Independent states:
Manchester United are in the midst of an injury crisis, with 10 first-team players currently unavailable.
But they did end on a brighter note by reporting that:
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
So there will be great anticipation ahead of the manager’s weekly press conference on Friday afternoon in Manchester.
Manchester United will be particularly sweating over the fitness of Michael Carrick. He’s only just returned from long term injury himself. But with so many defenders and midfielders currently crocked, his presence in the team is absolutely vital.
Blind looks set for a protracted spell on the sidelines but there is hope that De Gea can recover from his dislocated finger in time for the Arsenal match.
If fit Carrick should play alongside Smalling in the defence with Herrera and Fellaini ahead of them in the midfield. It’s still a decent selection but it’s not a tried and tested formula.
Louis van Gaal will hope that now his troops have no international commitments for 4 months he can get them all fit and firing at the same time.
