LONDON (Reuters) - If Manchester
United are to claim a seventh successive Premier League victory and
condemn leaders Chelsea to a first home league defeat
of the season
their manager Louis van Gaal must solve another complex injury puzzle.
Third-placed United will arrive at Stamford Bridge on Saturday on a
run of six league victories but last weekend's 4-2 derby demolition of
champions Manchester City came at a cost. Midfielder Michael Carrick
has a calf problem, Daley Blind sustained an ankle injury in a hefty
challenge from City captain Vincent Kompany and defenders Phil Jones and
Marcus Rojo also picked up knocks. "It is the worst scenario," Van
Gaal told a news conference on Friday.
"Marcos and Phil can both play left central defender and
Jonny Evans is also suspended so I do not have many choices. "Daley
Blind and Michael Carrick could play as a holding midfield player and I
do not have another option. It is a puzzle."
Van
Gaal, who struggled with a lengthy injury list at the start of the
season, may deploy captain Wayne Rooney in midfield alongside former
Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata.
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea have a seven-point lead and a game
in hand at the top but the west Londoners have looked less than
convincing in recent weeks and laboured to a 1-0 victory over Queens
Park Rangers last weekend. United would move above second-placed
Arsenal, who play Reading in an FA Cup semi-final on Saturday, and
within five points of leaders Chelsea with victory at Stamford Bridge.
Despite their recent hot streak, however, Van Gaal
believes winning the title is out of United's reach. "It is still
possible," Van Gaal said. "But it is not logical. It is more 'when' and
'if'. I don't believe in 'when' and 'if'. I believe in facts.
"We can lay pressure on Chelsea's shoulders and then you
never know. I think Chelsea is satisfied with a draw. Of course, they
want to beat Manchester United and we want to beat them."
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