How much worse can Manchester United’s injury crisis get? With Daley Blind ruled out for a few months, after his injury in midweek, the defence and midfield has a startling lack of numbers.
The good news from Louis van Gaal’s press conference on Thursday afternoon was that David de Gea, Michael Carrick and Angel di Maria should all be fit to start against Arsenal after recent knocks.
But where does that leave the Manchester United team as a whole? We can assume this much – David de Gea and Chris Smalling will play. Rafael should be fit to resume at right back but LvG may go with the experience and currently superior match sharpness of Antonio Valencia. Luke Shaw is a doubt but we have put him in the eleven in the absence of any realistic and available alternative.
Radamel Falcao has a calf problem so Wayne Rooney should play in the hole behind Robin van Persie. Mata is in good form and may get squeezed into some kind of 4-5-1. But Louis may stay bold and retain the services of Adnan Januzaj – a bundle of potential but a player who hasn’t enjoyed his best form in the last few games.
Phil Jones and Jonny Evans could be near fitness but Michael Carrick will get the nod in defence if they aren’t ready. Which perhaps leaves a midfield of Fellaini and Herrera.
Here’s how we think Manchester United should line up. United fans: Best elevens please…
