Daley Blind Set To Miss Arsenal Clash With Knee Injury
Manchester United midfielder faces up to 6 weeks out with a knee injury he sustained whilst representing the Netherlands on International duty. This injury is the latest in the series of injuries, that seemingly has Manchester United players dropping like flies.
Blind went down injured after a challenge in 19th minute from Latvia’s Eduards Visanakovs. The 24 year old is the latest of 9 players currently out for the Red Devils. The January transfer window can’t seem to come fast enough for Van Gaal’s men, as they are badly in need of reinforcements.
Daley Blind’s knee injury has deepened Manchester United defensive crisis as they prepare for Saturday’s trip to Arsenal, with several key players confirmed already out of that clash.
“I’m proud of my 25 games for the Dutch National team, but I’m also gutted with my injury… I’ll stay positive and will come back stronger. Nevertheless a great win” Blind was quoted as saying.
With Arsenal and United desperately needing to win to keep pace with the table toppers Chelsea, the Manchester based club will find it exceptionally hard to beat a very good Arsenal side with such a depleted squad, as players such as David De Gea (dislocated finger), Phil Jones (shin splits), Johnny Evans (ankle), Rafael Da Silva (muscle problems), Michael Carrick (groin problem), Radamel Falcao (Calf Problem) are all expected to miss the titanic clash.
Blind who joined from Ajax for 13million pounds in the summer, has played in 8 matches for United this season and thus far has been largely impressive for the side.
The Dutchman’s injury is the most devastating for the old Trafford faithful as the 24 year old was handy during the defensive crisis. With the former Ajax man capable of playing a variety of positions including left back, Center back and defensive midfield.
Van Gaal will need the youngsters, Tyler Blackett and Patrick Mcnair to step up yet again at the Emirates.
With Manchester United in seventh place, they probably can not afford to play for a draw. Although It is noteworthy to point out that going for a win with two rookie center backs, may not be an entirely wise cause of action.
Asked before the international break whether his other defenders, who didn’t play the match against Crystal Palace would be back in time, the former Netherlands boss was not too optimistic.
“No I don’t think so because now some of them have not played for 5 to 6 weeks. They could not sit on the bench because they can only play 20 minutes but I can not put a lot of players on the bench, who are not 100 percent fit”- Van Gaal said.
For the Old Trafford hierarchy, the winter transfer window will present them with a chance to correct some of the mistakes made during the summer window, which saw Manchester United purchase a host of only attacking talent that included the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria.
All is not lost, as the purchase of a couple of defensively competent players will do a lot for their league position at the end of the League season.