There’s criticism all over the place when it comes to LVG but few take their time to look into what happened this season at Old Trafford. Sure, there were some moments when the team did not perform as well as they were expected, but there were so many times when Van Gaal had his work cut out for him. Never in the last 5 years did the club have so many players in the infirmary. Last year they were top three which might have been a sign, but before that they were nowhere near first place when it comes to most injured players and most time spent in recovery. Unfortunately, something happened this year as Manchester now have to deal with 13 injured players, none of which are certain to return before the end of the month.
Here is an update on the most important players who are now out of the lot, waiting for the medical staff to work their magic and hopefully make them fit for what is left of this unfortunate season.
David De Gea – Knee injury – Return – Unknown
De Gea was pulled out of the Europa League game with minutes before the game started. Apparently he picked up his first knee injury after a light training exercise that should have never caused him any harm. It looks like the medical staff is still investigating the seriousness of the issue as no return date has been set yet for the Spaniard. Worst case scenario, he will end up missing the European Championships. Best case scenario, he just got a minor ligament bruise and he will return to practice next week.
Cameron Borthwick-Jackson – undisclosed illness – return – 22/23.02.2016
The youngster was expected to take over Darmian’s spot after the Italian picked up a shoulder injury. Unfortunately, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson fell ill after the Sunderland game and will be out for 10 days in total. That means he will probably be available for Monday’s game against Shrewsbury Town.
Wayne Rooney – Knee injury – return – 27.02.2016
Rooney’s injury will keep the captain on the bench until late March. Worst case scenario, Rooney will be back in April. This is a reoccurring issue for the England international who needs to decide if he will push his return for Manchester or wait until his is fully fit so as not to miss the European Championship.
Matteo Darmian – Dislocated Shoulder – return – 1.04.2016
It looks like the Italian’s injury is a lot more complicated than expected. Darmian dislocated his shoulder on the 13th and will be out for several weeks as stated by LVG who is left with Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Donald Love.
Luke Shaw – Double Fracture – return – 15.05.2016
Even though it is rumored he will return in May, it is very likely that the defender will miss the entire season. Hopefully the summer friendlies and a full preseason will help him get back stronger next season.
Marcos Rojo – Dislocated Shoulder/ Antonio Valencia – Ankle injury – return 6.03.2016
Fortunately, both are expected to return in two weeks-time after spending a total of 200 days combined in the infirmary. If things go well, we could see them against Watford on the 2nd of March. It would have been great to have them against Arsenal on the 28th though.
Bastian Schweinsteiger – Knee Injury/Adnan Januzaj – Hamstring Injury/Guillermo Varela – Knock/Phil Jones – Knock – return – 28.02.2016
All four are expected back against Arsenal when they will hopefully be 100% recovered. They picked up injuries at the same time around the game against Sheffield Utd. Schweinteiger was given some extra time off as his injury does not require too much recovery time.
Ashley Young – Groin Injury – return – Late April
Young’s return is not known at this point in time with LVG stating that the winger will be out for at least two more months. Fortunately, his position is covered for now as long as Martial and Depay stay fit.
Marouane Fellaini – Hamstring Injury – return – Unknown
It looks like the latest investigation shows that Fellaini’s injury might be more complicated to handle than expected. He might have a hamstring tear that could sideline him just as much as Rooney meaning that he could be set to return early April.