MANCHESTER, England, – Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal warned yesterday that there is a danger that defender Marcos Rojo’s shoulder injury could recur in the future.
Argentina international Rojo dislocated his shoulder in United’s 1-0 derby defeat by Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last weekend.
Rojo, who joined United from Sporting Lisbon in August, is likely to be out for up to six weeks, although more of a worry is the possibility that the injury could happen again.
“Maybe with Rojo’s injury, it is very difficult that it shall not happen again and that is the problem,” van Gaal told his weekly news conference.
“Marcos dislocated his shoulder, but he did it in the right way.
“He doesn’t need an operation, which is a relief.
“It could be less than six weeks, but with an operation it would be 12 weeks.”
Rojo’s absence has added to van Gaal’s problems in the heart of defence ahead of the visit of Crystal Palace today.
Chris Smalling is suspended after he was sent off in the derby against City and Phil Jones is out with shin splints, while Jonny Evans is nursing an ankle injury.
Midfielder Michael Carrick is poised to deputise in central defence alongside either Tyler Blackett or Paddy McNair.
