Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal revealed that defender Phil Jones will be out of action for up to one month due to a torn hamstring, an injury he suffered during England’s 2-0 win in Switzerland earlier this week. “Phil has a torn hamstring,” Van Gaal told the gathering. “He is maybe out for three weeks or a month.” Jones is likely to miss United’s next four games and will be considered a serious doubt for England’s October matches against San Marino and Estonia. Jonny Evans or Tyler Blackett can be expected to fill the vacancy left by Jones in United’s defence. Van Gaal also revealed that nine players will be unavailable for Sunday’s match against Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford. The club will be without the services of Chris Smalling, James Wilson, Sam Johnstone, Reece James and Jesse Lingard. Michael Carrick has returned to training, but is nowhere near match fitness. Marouane Fellaini is a long-term injury who will not return to action for another month. While Ashley Young picked up a groin strain and will be rested this weekend. United’s defence will be limited in its options. But the return to training of Luke Shaw will be a bonus and Marcos Rojo was cleared to play following difficulties obtaining his work permit. Rafael da Silva has also returned from his long-term injury and could feature in Van Gaal’s back-four or back-three. And recent signing Daley Blind
is another defensive option for the Dutch boss. Despite the injury news, Sunday’s match against QPR could be the first time that all six of United’s summer signings take the pitch together. Injuries and a work permit issue have led to only two of the club’s six signings playing in a match; with neither player featuring in the same match. Ander Herrera started United’s opening season loss to Swansea City, but suffered an injury shortly after the match. And Angel Di Maria made his debut in the club’s last league match against Burnley.