Bastian Schweinsteiger Injury: Updates on Midfielder's Status and Return

New Manchester United signing Bastian Schweinsteiger failed to appear in the club's International Champions Cup match against Barcelona on Saturday because of a “minor” injury. Although he is expected to return for the game with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, there is some doubt he will play in the club's first match of the Premier League season.

Continue for updates.

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Schweinsteiger Expected to Play in Next ICC Match

Sunday, July 26

"He shall play against Paris Saint-Germain. I expect. Let us hope that he convinces me," said United manager Louis van Gaal when asked if Schweinsteiger will feature against PSG on Wednesday in Chicago, per ESPN FC's Richard Jolly.

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Schweinsteiger Still Uncertain for Premier League Opener vs. Tottenham

Sunday, July 26

As United manager Louis van Gaal confirmed Schweinsteiger would miss the match against Barcelona on July 25, he also noted the injury “could” sideline him when the Premier League season starts on August 8.

When asked again about Schweinsteiger's availability for the club's opener against Tottenham Hotspur, he responded with: "That I do not know because he has to prove himself," per Jolly.

Van Gaal downplayed the issue and refused to elaborate on the nature of the injury, placing an emphasis on the fact the International Champions Cup match against Barcelona is part of the club's preparation for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

Schweinsteiger is the club's top signing of the 2015 summer transfer window, and he's expected to play a big role in the coming season―it makes little sense risking him during pre-season if he has indeed picked up a knock.

Freeland football writer Liam Canning hopes this won't become a recurring theme:

The 30-year-old has has struggled with injuries in the past few years, as demonstrated by Transfermarkt, but he ranks as one of the best central midfielders in the world when healthy. He spent his entire senior career with Bayern Munich before moving to Old Trafford in July, and this is undoubtedly not how he was hoping to start the next chapter of his career.

Fans will be hoping he makes a swift recovery, and if the injury is indeed as minor as Van Gaal made it out to be, he could still return to full health for the club's Premier League curtain-raiser against Tottenham.