Man Utd Dealt Double Injury Blow Ahead Of Arsenal Clash But Trio Passed Fit

Manchester United have been dealt a double injury blow with Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Arsenal but Robin van Persie, Marcos Rojo and Angel Di Maria have been passed fit.

Rooney was forced off at half-time during United’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend with a dead leg and unfortunately the striker has been unable to recover in time to make the squad this weekend.

Shaw was also substituted against Palace last week after suffering a nasty facial injury and van Gaal has confirmed the defender will also miss the Gunners clash. However, Marcos Rojo is fit to return and should fill-in at left-back.

There was also positive news on Di Maria with the Argentine recovering from a knock that saw him miss out last weekend but it remains to be seen whether the attacker will be able to force his way back in to van Gaal’s first team plans.

In a further boost to United, van Persie has been declared fit to face his former side after missing the trip to Selhurst Park with a virus. Van Persie is expected to replace Rooney and lead the line up front at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

When asked for an injury update at his pre-match press conference this afternoon, van Gaal told ManUtd.com:

“The situation is not positive for us, they [Rooney and Shaw] cannot play, neither of them.

“Yes it is a short term thing, we have only one match to play, so I think it will be difficult for them to play again this season.”

“Angel Di Maria and Robin van Persie are able to play. Rojo has trained this week with us, he could play.”

Man Utd head into the weekend’s action sitting two points adrift of third-placed Arsenal with the Gunners also holding a game in hand so van Gaal’s men need a win if they are to maintain hopes of finishing in the automatic Champions League qualification spots.