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Luke Shaw and Wayne Rooney picked up injuries in the win at Palace and haven't recovered. EMPICS Sport
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Bad news for United fans as injuries mount ahead of crunch meeting with Arsenal

LVG will be without several key players this weekend.

CAPTAIN WAYNE ROONEY is unavailable for Manchester United’s Premier League encounter against Arsenal, manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed.

The striker sustained a dead leg in last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace and was replaced by Radamel Falcao at half-time at Selhurst Park. Rooney has proved a thorn in Arsenal’s side, scoring 14 times against them in his career.

But the England skipper has failed to recover in time to face Arsene Wenger’s men, while full-back Luke Shaw is also unavailable for the match at Old Trafford that could have ramifications for third place in the Premier League.

United are two points behind Arsenal with two matches remaining, although Wenger’s side have a game in hand, at home to struggling Sunderland on Wednesday.

“You cannot avoid injuries like Wayne Rooney and Luke Shaw,” Van Gaal said.

“You cannot avoid them because football is with physical resistance and also a bit of luck, or you are unlucky maybe.”

Michael Carrick (calf) and Andreas Pereira (international duty) are also absent while Jonny Evans and Rafael are both unlikely to feature because of injury.

“The second part of the season I’m satisfied [with regards injuries]. In the first part we had an average of 10 injuries a week and I could not line up the same team. I am happy with that now.”

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Manchester United v West Bromwich Albion - Old Trafford RVP returns from injury and is in line to feature against his former employers Barringotn Coombs Barringotn Coombs

Rooney’s absence has been been softened slightly by the return of former Arsenal man Robin van Persie, who has recovered from a virus that saw him miss the visit to Palace, while Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo are also available.

United have this week been linked with moves for Gareth Bale, who has faced heavy criticism during a difficult second season at Real Madrid, and Tottenham forward Harry Kane - who has scored 20 Premier League goals this term.

But Van Gaal dismissed the stories, adding: “You can mention a lot of names. I have seen that I am going to buy everyone in the world but it is not like that.”

Arsene Wenger admits he is fearful that United will splash the cash this summer. The Gunners will be without former United man Danny Welbeck, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mathieu Debuchy and Mikel Arteta for the trip to Old Trafford.

“I expect Manchester United to be active in the transfer market,” he told reporters. “Every player I am offered, Man Utd are already on his case!”

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