Manchester United are facing a defensive crisis for Saturday's trip to Chelsea, with Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Michael Carrick all missing through injury.
Jonny Evans is still suspended for the crunch clash at Stamford Bridge meaning Chris Smalling and youngster Paddy McNair are the only recognisable first-team centre-backs available to Louis van Gaal.
Fit again Luke Shaw is likely to replace Blind at left-back while Van Gaal has admitted he could utilise Wayne Rooney in a holding midfield role as he shuffles the pack to cope with the absence of Carrick.
"It is the worst scenario," Van Gaal told MUTV. "Marcos and Phil can both play left central defender, and Jonny Evans is also suspended so I do not have many choices.
"Daley Blind and Michael Carrick could playing holding midfield player and I do not have another option. It is a puzzle."
The England midfielder has been one of the club's stand-out performers in the 2014-15 campaign although was forced off towards the end of United's derby win over Manchester City with a calf injury.
Van Gaal insists the disruption his planning for the meeting with Jose Mourinho's league leaders are "all part of life in football" but will come as a bitter blow as the Red Devils looked to cut the gap at the top.
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