Man Utd Team News: LvG Confirms Quintet Will Miss Newcastle, Defender Could Return

Manchester United will be hoping to extend their unbeaten run when they take on Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Ahead of the game, United boss 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.

The Dutchman revealed that he doesn’t think any of his current injured players will recover in time to face this Magpies on Friday, although Chris Smalling has a slight chance of being passed fit.

The defender has missed the last three weeks after being forced off during the first half of United’s 2-1 win at Southampton on 8 December with a groin injury.

He’s missed the games against Liverpool and Aston Villa, however, van Gaal has hinted that the 25-year-old ‘maybe’ has a chance of returning to the squad later this week.

“I don’t think so, I am sorry. Maybe Smalling. Fellaini is still not available.” van Gaal said when asked if any of his absentees might return.

It means that Luke Shaw will continue to be sidelined by a foot injury that he sustained against Arsenal in late November while Ander Herrera is also still out with a muscle injury that saw him miss Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa.

Marouane Fellaini has been struck down with illness so the Belgian international joins Daley Blind on the sidelines, with the Dutchman not expected to return until well into the New Year from a serious knee problem, while Marcos Rojo is also still out with a thigh injury.

United head into the festive period sitting third in the Premier League table and van Gaal will be hoping some of his injury-victims may be back in contention to take on Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday 28th to help his side try and close the gap on the top two.