Friday 3 April 2015 15:03, UK
Louis van Gaal has revealed Robin van Persie has not recovered from injury in time for Manchester United's clash with Aston Villa on Saturday.
The Dutch striker has not played for United since he suffered an ankle injury in the 2-1 defeat to Swansea on February 21.
It was expected that he would return this weekend after the international break, but United manager Van Gaal insisted that his fellow countryman is not yet match fit.
"Robin van Persie is still injured," Van Gaal said.
"We have a process. He has to go to the final football coach before he comes into my group and he is not there yet. He is still not in my group."
Chris Smalling came off in the first half of England's 1-1 draw in Italy through illness on Tuesday and he is a major doubt for Villa's visit to Old Trafford.
"Smalling is ill so I don't know if he is available," Van Gaal said.
"(On Thursday) he was at the club, but in the medical department, doing his recovery and so on. (On Friday) I know already that he is not feeling well so it shall be difficult for him."
There is better news regarding Luke Shaw, though, who has been out of action since being withdrawn at half-time in United’s FA Cup defeat at the hands of Arsenal in early March.
"Luke Shaw is in my group,” Van Gaal added.
