Van Gaal: Bastian Out For Season

Bastian Schweinsteiger is unlikely to play for Manchester United again this season, according to Louis van Gaal.

The German midfielder has not pulled on a United shirt since the Manchester derby on March 20, and a few days later suffered medial knee ligament damage while training with Germany.

The Dutchman said: "I don't think Schweinsteiger shall play this season. Maybe he is ready for the European Championship, I cannot predict but it is possible."

The 31-year-old has scored just one goal all season for United and is now set to miss the run-in.

One player unlikely to face Aston Villa on Saturday is Ander Herrera who was hurt during the club's 2-1 victory over West Ham on Wednesday.

He added: "I don't know yet for sure. Herrera was injured but the problem is that we have to recover again within two days.

"That is a continuing problem, because we have to play so many matches when you are in so many competitions during this season, that is the only problem."

But there was better news regarding defender Luke Shaw who is back in training following the double leg-break he suffered against PSV Eindhoven last September.

Van Gaal went on: "Shaw is now training on the pitch with the physiotherapist, it's not with a trainer-coach, so that's the difference. But he's going great, it's unbelievable."

He did not disclose what his team would be at Old Trafford this weekend but hinted that next week's semi-final is of great significance for the club: "Everton in the FA Cup is, of course, a game where we have to line up the strongest team."

Credit: Skysports.com