Manchester United have suffered an injury blow after Louis van Gaal confirmed defender Matteo Darmian suffered a dislocated shoulder during his side's 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on Saturday.
The Italian international started against the Black Cats in the right-back position, but was withdrawn in the 36th minute after he suffered an injury. The incident took place when he collided with the opposition player and went down on the ground, during which he dislocated his shoulder.
Darmian used his jersey as a sling and left the pitch. He was replaced by Donald Love, who made his debut for the Red Devils against Sunderland. The situation now leaves the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager with short of options in the full-back position.
Luke Shaw has long been sidelined with a double leg fracture, which he suffered while facing PSV Eindhoven during the Champions League fixture in September. Antonio Valencia is also on the sidelines, along with Marcos Rojo and Ashley Young.
Guillermo Varela picked up a knock during United Under-21's 7-0 victory over Norwich City. With Darmian joining the injury list, Van Gaal is left with no options for cover on the right-back position.
"It is unbelievable. It is a dislocation so he will be out for several weeks. We do not have many more full-backs, not even in the [youth] system. Donald Love has played today at right-back and he did it well," Van Gaal told United's official website.
Varela is the only player from the injured list who is expected to make an early return. It should be seen whether the Uruguayan defender will be fit to face FC Midtjylland or will Love make his European debut for the Red Devils against the Danish club.
