Injury Situation Clearing For United

Louis van Gaal is hoping Manchester United's injury situation is beginning to improve as the international break will enable a number of players to take positive steps towards a first-team return.

Although Ander Herrera added to the manager's headache by fracturing a rib against West Ham United, things should be looking brighter by the time United travel to West Brom on Monday 20 October.

"It was very disappointing to see Ander Herrera suffering a fractured rib, which has added to our injury list at a time when I thought we were seeing a very dim light at the end of the tunnel in terms of injuries," the boss wrote in his exclusive United Review programme column.

"Marouane Fellaini is now back in full training, while Ashley Young, Michael Carrick, Chris Smalling and Phil Jones have started to do some light training. Anderson is making progress, while I am also pleased to report that Jesse Lingard has had his protective knee brace removed and Jonny Evans' protective boot has also been removed. Both players will return to light training in the coming days.

"After today's (against Everton) match, we have a good two-week period during the international break before our next match, and that will give us some valuable time to try to get these players back into full training and back to full fitness."