Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 10y

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera over back injury

Manchester United are waiting to discover the severity of Ander Herrera's back injury as they hope the midfielder does not join the long list of sidelined players.

The Spaniard came off in the second half of Saturday's 2-1 win over West Ham and was expected to be assessed by United's medical staff.

The former Athletic Bilbao player, who became manager Louis van Gaal's first signing when he joined for 28.8 million pounds in June, voiced his optimism he will not be out for long.

Herrera wrote on his official Facebook page after victory at Old Trafford: "Three very important points! I hope my back is fine soon. Thanks for your messages!"

(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));

Post by Ander Herrera.

Vice-captain Darren Fletcher could be the logical replacement for Herrera if he is ruled out, while the 24-year-old has already spent one spell on the sidelines this season after missing three games in August with an ankle injury.

United were without nine injured players for the West Ham game while captain Wayne Rooney will miss their next three matches after being sent off for kicking out at Stewart Downing.

However, defender Tyler Blackett, who served a one-match ban then, is available again for Sunday's home match against Everton.

Michael Carrick is progressing faster than expected on his return from an ankle injury, manager Van Gaal has said, although he might not be available until after the international break.

Phil Jones, who has a hamstring problem, is another who should make his comeback in October.

^ Back to Top ^