Matteo Darmian Injury: Updates on Manchester United Defender's Status and Return

Manchester United full-back Matteo Darmian was taken to hospital with rib and lung damage after a collision with Shane Long during the Jan. 23 clash with Southampton. However, signs look good for a swift recovery.

Continue for updates.

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Van Gaal Comments on Darmian's Playing Status

Thursday, Jan. 28

United boss Louis van Gaal revealed the Italian full-back will miss Friday's FA Cup trip to Derby County in his pre-match press conference but said the injury "isn't too serious."

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Darmian Sends Message to Fans

Monday, Jan. 25

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Defenders Absence Adds to Manchester United's Worries

As Rob Dawson of the Manchester Evening News reported, boss Louis van Gaal had to resort to bringing on the inexperienced Paddy McNair against Saints.

Darmian was playing on the right side of a three-man back line at the time as opposed to his usual position as full-back. Van Gaal was forced into that initial tactical decision as a result of a number of key defensive injuries, with the likes of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo also unavailable.

The Italian's knock only added to Van Gaal's worries, as he was already forced to start the young Cameron Borthwick-Jackson against Southampton. Like McNair, the 18-year-old is talented but inexperienced, and the Red Devils may not have any other option but to start the two on the back line moving forward.

With the race for the Champions League spots heating up, another injury to a key player is the last thing United needed. Darmian offers a flexibility that allows Van Gaal to mix up his tactics, so the Dutch boss will be keen to see him back.