Louis Van Gaal Suffers 4 Key Manchester United Injuries for Chelsea Match

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Phil Jones and Daley Blind will miss Saturday's important Premier League match with Chelsea.

The Dutch boss spoke to MUTV, per the club's official Twitter feed:

Van Gaal provided further comment on the injuries, as reported by Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News:

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They are all from the game against City. Blind played on because he always wants to, but the tackle from [Vincent] Kompany was the reason. Jones injured himself in the second half. Rojo, he was complaining [of a knock] after the match, and Carrick was also off. We had a big hope that Blind and Jones could reach this game but they can't.

"

He added that Luke Shaw "can play" and that "we have to think about" Robin van Persie, who is recovering from an ankle problem.

Carrick failed to finish the recent 4-2 derby win over Manchester City, departing the field as injury time loomed. City netted a late consolation as United left space open with 10 men due to Van Gaal's decision to make three substitutes before Carrick hobbled off.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Stuart Mathieson of the Manchester Evening News suggested Carrick was trying to "protect a calf injury," but he has been unable to recover in time for the journey to west London.

The loss of Carrick is a huge blow, as his presence has been key to two spells of United success throughout the campaign. United have lost just two of the 20 matches (across all competitions) Carrick has been involved in this season, per WhoScored.com.

A further signal of the controlling midfielder's importance was provided by the same outlet:

Unfortunately for in-form striker Wayne Rooney, he may be forced to drop back in light of the squad's troubles:

Blind's recent switch to left-back has also seen him become an immensely reliable player for the Red Devils.

Jon Super/Associated Press

Although used in multiple roles by Van Gaal throughout the season, he has given the defence tremendous balance on the flank, while aiding Ashley Young's forays forward. United's play down the left—which has seen battering ram Marouane Fellaini join in—was a key feature in wins over Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and City.

Jones has shown improved form in recent weeks, much like the rest of Van Gaal's men since the switch to 4-3-3. The England centre-back remains inconsistent, but his absence will be amplified now Rojo is also set to miss the match.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Indeed, Van Gaal may be forced to call on a central-defensive partnership of Chris Smalling and Paddy McNair/Tyler Blackett for arguably United's toughest game of the season. However, Chelsea will be without leading goalscorer Diego Costa and possibly understudy Loic Remy, per James Whaling of the Mirror.

Bleacher Report's Adam Lefkoe and Matteo Bonetti recently discussed which manager can expect to better the other:

Injuries have hampered Van Gaal's first season in charge, but United are currently in third, four points clear of fourth-placed City.

Anything other than a loss against leaders Chelsea should be hailed as a success, so in truth, it's best Van Gaal gives his players the chance to regain fitness for the upcoming matches against Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace. Those games are where the points need to be won.