Man Utd Pre-Man City Team News: LvG Confirms Huge Injury Blow But Rooney Returns

Manchester United will be looking to get one over their rivals this weekend when they take on Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

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

Let’s start with the good news and van Gaal has confirmed that Wayne Rooney is fit to play this weekend. There were reports in the media this week that suggested the forward was a doubt after supposedly picking up a foot injury in training.

However, van Gaal insists the 29-year-old was never injured and is ready to take his place in the United starting line-up having served his three-match suspension following his sending off against West Ham last month.

There was some bad news for United fans however, as van Gaal revealed that Radamel Falcao is out of the City clash after failing to recover from calf injury. The Colombian picked up the problem in training last week and was forced to sit out the Chelsea match and now he’s also set to miss his first Manchester derby.

van Gaal told the clubs website:

“Rooney was not injured. The media was writing that but he was never injured. Maybe his shoes were too tight, that is possible, but he was never injured.”

“He shall play, he is my captain. That is all I can say to you. Falcao is still injured. I have heard that he [Rooney] has scored a lot of goals against City, the most of any player. I said it to him to stimulate him but he doesn’t need that. I am very happy that he can play again and he shall play.”

In a further boost, Antonio Valencia is available again after overcoming a hamstring injury and Marouane Fellaini has a good chance of retaining his place in midfield after earning the praise of van Gaal for his recent contributions. He continued:

“He had a great contribution and also provided the assist for the goal,”

“He did it [made a contribution] several times. He had a lot of time injured but, when he was fit, I have played him. He has to continue with that because then I am very pleased.”

With Rooney returning, it’s going to be interesting to see who van Gaal drops for the City game. Juan Mata seems the most likely candidate while Adnan Januzaj could also make way with Ander Herrera coming back in having been left out against Chelsea last week.