Marcos Rojo Injury: Updates on Manchester United Star's Shoulder and Return

Marcos Rojo is fighting for full fitness after a period on the sidelines due to a dislocated shoulder.

Continue for updates.

Saturday, Nov. 29

Rojo Returns for United

Manchester United's official Twitter feed reported an update on Rojo's status:

Friday, Nov. 28

Rojo Ready for United Comeback

Louis van Gaal revealed during Friday's media gathering that Rojo may be in his matchday squad for Hull City, per Daniel Taylor of the Guardian:

Thursday, Nov. 27

Rojo Returns to Training

Jamie Jackson of the Guardian provides a positive update on Rojo's recovery:

Friday, Nov. 7

Van Gaal Predicts 6-Week Absence

Louis van Gaal has confirmed Marcos Rojo faces six weeks on the sidelines due to the shoulder injury picked up in the Manchester derby.

United's official Twitter reported:

Paul Pycroft of the Manchester Evening News provides Van Gaal's extended quotes: 

"

Marcos dislocated his shoulder but did it in positive way. We don't need to operate on him, which is a relief, but maybe with this injury it is very difficult that it shall not happen again. That is the problem. Yesterday evening, he saw a specialist. For him, it was positive. Always with these injuries, I cannot change that. The human body has been made by God, not by me. Conservatively, it can be less than six weeks. If we have to operate, 12 weeks.

"

Tuesday, Nov. 4

Rojo's Father Predicts Short Layoff

The mystery over Marcos Rojo's shoulder injury continues after his father revealed he may only miss three games, two of which are for his country.

A dislocated shoulder had reportedly ruled the Manchester United defender out for up to three months, but Rojo's dad told TN.com, per Jamie Jackson of the Guardian: “It is not too severe. He will miss two or three games.”

Monday, Nov. 3

Rojo Facing 3-Month Absence

Marcos Rojo will be out for up to three months due to the shoulder dislocation suffered during the Manchester derby.

Rojo left the field on a stretcher during Sunday's match, and the Mail Online tweeted the latest:

Ian Ladyman of the same publication added detail to the news:

"

Marcos Rojo is facing up to three months out after picking up a shoulder injury during the derby defeat at Manchester City.

[...] Rojo’s prognosis doesn’t look good and the Argentine will be missing for at least six weeks.

"

Bizarrely, Rojo had earlier hinted at a speedy return, tweeting:

"

Gracias a todos por los mensajes. Gracias a dios fue solo un mal momento/ thank you all for your messages. thank god it was nothing

— marcos rojo (@marcosrojo5) November 2, 2014"

Rojo also commented on his recovery via his Instagram account:

Sunday, Nov, 2

Rojo Suffers Shoulder Injury

Manchester United's already patchwork defence has suffered yet another blow as summer signing Marcos Rojo sustained what looks to be a serious shoulder injury. 

The incident occurred in a scrappy local derby against Manchester City. United's official Twitter feed recorded the injury and the moment Rojo received immediate treatment:

Ian Ladyman of the Daily Mail later reported Rojo suffered a dislocated shoulder, with talkSPORT's Sam Matterface reporting he was in the hospital and expected to miss next week's match against Crystal Palace.

The injury came after the Red Devils lost fellow centre-back Chris Smalling after the England international received two yellow cards, per Squawka Football:

That means a likely suspension for the ex-Fulham prospect and yet more stress on United's defensive reserves, such as they are.

Manager Louis van Gaal's ability to tinker will be tested if Rojo's absence is a prolonged one. The former Sporting Lisbon defender hasn't exactly made a fast start to life in Manchester, but the Argentina international does at least give Van Gaal some experience at the back.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

Without him, Van Gaal will have to trust unproven youngsters such as 19-year-old Patrick McNair and fellow prospect 20-year-old Tyler Blackett.

This will increase the onus on Van Gaal to make defensive reinforcements his top priority in January. United have been linked with a move Schalke 04's World cup-winning defender Benedikt Howedes, per Daily Express reporter Ben Jefferson: "The Red Devils' defensive frailties this term have been well-documented and Van Gaal is thought to see the versatile Howedes as the ideal tonic."

But until January, Van Gaal will have to make do. So expect to read phrases like threadbare and makeshift, as well as several variations on that theme in the coming months.