Manchester United plunged back into injury turmoil ahead of Chelsea clash

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has had his defensive options decimated after a spate of injuries this week.

It comes at a most inopportune time as the Red Devils face a tricky trip to league-leaders Chelsea, hoping to keep their remote chances of winning the title alive.

Just when United's injury problems seemed to have ended for the season, with a crippling succession of fitness problems afflicting them at the start of the campaign, the coaching staff have now been confronted with a new wave of problems.

The Red Devils have used more players than any other side in the Premier League this season and the squad is looking stretched again.

"Carrick is injured, he cannot play, but not only Michael Carrick - Daley Blind, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo cannot play," Van Gaal told MUTV.

With Jonny Evans still serving a six-match ban for spitting at Newcastle striker Papiss Cisse, the Dutch coach faces a challenge to put out a recognisable back six.

"It cannot be worse because it's two players in the left central defensive positions, and Jonny Evans is still suspended," he continued. "Daley Blind and Michael Carrick play in the holding position in midfield, so I have to change my line-up a lot against Chelsea."

It is expected that Luke Shaw will return to the left-back spot for the first time since the 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup, while either Tyler Blackett or Paddy McNair will deputise in central defence.

"Shaw I think is training for a lot of weeks already so he can play," Van Gaal said. "Van Persie is another story, this is the first week he has trained with us, with the first team, but maybe we have to think about him."

The injuries come as a particular blow because the defence has looked as settled as at any time this season, with Jones forming an excellent partnership with Chris Smalling in the heart of the back four.

With no recognised holding midfielders available, Van Gaal has even suggested that Wayne Rooney could drop all the way back into the defensive role.

Whatever the Dutchman chooses, this news is music to the ears of Chelsea.

The league-leaders will take another huge step towards the title with a win and they must be seen as strong favourites now.