Man Utd Injury Crisis Deepens As Rojo Faces Six Weeks Out

Manchester United are facing a defensive injury crisis with Marcos Rojo facing at least six weeks out with a shoulder injury suffered against Manchester City on Sunday, according to reports.

Rojo was stretchered from the field midway through the second half during United’s 1-0 defeat to rivals City at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon after appearing to fall awkwardly on his left shoulder.

The Argentinean international was sent for scans to determine the full extent of the injury and United boss Louis van Gaal said straight after the game yesterday that he was awaiting further news on how long the defender would be sidelined for, but he was certain to miss this weekend’s clash with Crystal Palace.

“The shoulder is out, so you never know how long that takes,” Van Gaal said. “I have to wait until tomorrow but he shall not play against Crystal Palace.” van Gaal is quoted as saying by the Express.

However, it seems the results are in as the Express newspaper claims that Rojo has now been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks after is was confirmed he had dislocated his shoulder.

The news will come as a major blow to United as their injury crisis at the back deepens. van Gaal is already without Phil Jones and Jonny Evans due to injury while Chris Smalling will also sit out the Palace clash after being sent off against City.

With Rojo now also unavailable it means van Gaal is going to have to call upon his youth defenders once again with Paddy McNair likely to start against Palace after coming on at the Etihad on Sunday.

Tyler Blackett started the first four games of the season and could be another option but van Gaal may choose to play Michael Carrick at centre-back to bring some experience to their make-shift defence.

Carrick has only just returned from a three month absence due to an ankle injury he picked up in pre-season and although van Gaal was pleased with his performance yesterday, he admitted the current situation at the back is a ‘disaster’.

“I have seen good performances from Carrick and McNair, but it’s a disaster for us,” Van Gaal added.

“So many defenders are injured and you have to play each week with another defence.

“Despite the result against Manchester City, I think we are very close. When you see what we have done with 10 players against 11 you can be proud as a coach.”

Defeat against City leaves United down in tenth position in the Premier League table so the 20-time champions are going to have to overcome their defensive issues to pick up three points against Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday to prevent being cast even further adrift.