According to Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal, midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger is an injury doubt for United's Tuesday evening trip to Newcastle United. The German international picked up a knee injury during the Reds' 1-0 victory over Sheffield United in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup.
The boss speaks out
"It shall be difficult of course [for Schweinsteiger to play against Newcastle]," said van Gaal. "I don't know yet but I think he has a knee problem. Everyone thinks he has an ankle problem but I think it's more the knee than the ankle. We'll have to wait and see."
Schweinsteiger's knock
The midfielder picked up a knee injury during the latter stages of United's victory on Saturday. After initially looking like he'd have to exit on a stretcher, the 2014 FIFA World Cup winner stayed on the pitch for the remainder of the match because the Reds were out of substitutes.
Selection dilemma
In addition to confirming that Schweinsteiger is unlikely to play, van Gaal stated that Morgan Schneiderlin is due for a rest. Although the midfielder has been terrific recently, he also played a lot over the Christmas period. This then sets up a selection dilemma for United, who will be without their two first choice defensive-minded midfielders. Van Gaal will likely look to play a midfield triangle of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Andres Pereira at St. James's Park on Tuesday evening.
Van Gaal said that "Schneiderlin is not injured" but he is in the 'red zone' because of "an overload" from playing in "every game" in "the Christmas period". Van Gaal says United "have to take care of that." The 64-year-old says he doesn't "take risks and, because of that, we have a very young bench."
"I trust these players," said van Gaal, "because [Andreas] Pereira coming in and was a very good substitute."
United face Newcastle at 19:45 GMT on Tuesday night, with extensive coverage from VAVEL UK.