Team News: Man Utd Handed Triple Injury Boost As van Gaal Offers Positive Update

Manchester United get back to Premier League action after the international break as they take on West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

Ahead of the game, Louis van Gaal has been speaking to the media at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon and gave a team news and injury update.

The Dutchman has been plagued by a series of injury problems this season with up to 10 first team regulars on the sidelines at any one time but the international break has come at a good time for United as several players have been able to return to fitness.

It means van Gaal was able to offer more positive news today as he confirmed his injury list has decreased to just four players with Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair, Jesse Lingard and Antonio Valencia the only ones currently on the treatment table.

The two-week break has allowed Ander Herrera to recover from the rib injury that he picked up against West Ham last month and although he’s still not considered 100% fit as yet, the 25-year-old has been able to train this week albeit with the help of painkillers.

The Telegraph claim that Herrera has declared himself fit to face the Baggies on Monday but van Gaal will have to decide whether to risk him or give the midfielder another week to fully recover.

In a further double boost, Phil Jones has returned to full training following over a month out with a hamstring injury he suffered while playing for England in September while Ashley Young is also back in contention after overcoming a long-term groin complaint.

Michael Carrick is also back in full training but the West Brom game will come too soon – although the 33-year-old could feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Burnley today.

The return of several first team players has meant that van Gaal no longer needs to use players from his reserve sides to make up the numbers in training. He told the clubs website:

“This morning, we didn’t need any players from the second team and that is a plus,” said van Gaal.

“I am very happy because there are no injuries from the international games. I think we’re in a good way. The players who are recovering are not able to play and we have to wait and see for the line-up on Monday. But we have only four players injured now. That is good.”

United head into the game against West Brom after winning back-to-back games against West Ham and Everton so van Gaal will be keen to continue that run and maintain their push up the Premier League table.