(Manchester United News)
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is a doubt for Saturday’s match against Aston Villa because of illness, but Louis van Gaal has revealed that Robin van Persie and Luke Shaw are edging closer to a return to action in the coming weeks.
Smalling was forced out of England’s 1-1 draw with Italy on Tuesday after feeling unwell and van Gaal told MUTV on Friday that he is still struggling and is being monitored by the club's medical department.
There was better news on the fitness of van Persie and Shaw with the Dutch striker continuing his recovery from the ankle problem he sustained in February, while van Gaal confirmed England left-back Luke has trained for the last week.
"There is only Smalling, who is ill," the boss told MUTV, when asked whether any issues have arisen from the players' international duties. "He is still ill so I have to wait and see if he can train today [Friday] - it is very close to the game.
"Robin is coming back on the [training] pitch and Luke Shaw has already had a week on there, but match rhythm is very important. You cannot compare a player who has been out for four or five weeks to those that have sufficient match rhythm."
Van Gaal explained later in his press conference: "We have a process for injured players in the medical department, they then go to a football coach for tests and then to me. Robin still isn't with the football coach. He's still not in my group. Luke Shaw is in my group, that's different, but van Persie isn't available."
