(Manchester United News)
Robin van Persie will not be rushed back into action in Sunday's Manchester derby despite returning to training this week.
The Manchester United striker has been sidelined since hurting his ankle at Swansea in February and Louis van Gaal has revealed his fellow countryman will not be considered for the Old Trafford showdown against City. The boss added in his exclusive pre-match MUTV interview that he will "wait and see" over the potential availability of defenders Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw with the former more likely to feature.
When asked if van Persie was ready for action, van Gaal replied: "No. He's back in training sessions so that is a plus. He trained two days with us and, today, he had recovery. So I think that is not enough to play. We have to wait and see always [on Smalling and Shaw]. I don't think Shaw [will play] but I do think Smalling can play."
When asked about a possible return to the starting line-up for Angel Di Maria, van Gaal added: "Not only Angel Di Maria [is pushing for a place], but every player who is training in the first squad are pushing because they want to do their utmost.
"I played 11 against 11 today (Friday) and the team in white was very good. The white team was not the basic line-up, so they are pushing always and I like that. I said that to all of the players, that I like the fighting spirit of every one of them."
