Louis van Gaal handed double injury boost as Herrera and Evans return to action

Posted Thursday, November 27, 2014 by Dailystar.co.uk

Louis van Gaal has been handed a double fitness boost by the return to action of Jonny Evans and Ander Herrera.

The pair both featured in United's 5-0 crushing of Blackburn Rovers in the Lancashire Senior Cup last night.

Evans has been out since the embarrassing 5-3 defeat to newly-promoted Leicester in September, while Herrera has not featured since the 2-2 draw at West Brom last month.

The return of the duo will be a welcome boost to boss Van Gaal, who has been blighted by injuries since his arrival at the club over the summer.

The Dutchman is currently without the likes of Phil Jones, Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo, Rafael in defence, meaning youngsters Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett were both forced into starts away at Arsenal last weekend.

Ankle injury victim Evans played 64 minutes of the clash with Blackburn last night, and is set to return to Van Gaal's squad for the home clash with Hull on Saturday.

Herrera, meanwhile, is also in line for a return to the squad, after he netted in the clash with Rovers.

He picked up a rib injury against West Ham in September, and has struggled for match action since.

However, he could now be set for a return to the first-team, with Daley Blind ruled out with the knee injury he picked up on international duty with the Netherlands.

RETURN: Herrera and Evans are back in action for United

Evans said after his return to action: "It's nice to get 60-odd minutes under my belt."

"It's been a long time coming. I didn't expect to be out this long so I'm pleased to get some minutes. I thought the lads played well and it was an enjoyable game to be part of."

"I think the manager will have to assess that [a first-team recall] and also the fitness coaches."

"I've been training for a week or two now but it's taking me time to get my fitness up as I've been out for so long."