Louis Van Gaal Confirms Angel Di Maria And Ander Herrera Fit To Face Chelsea

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed both Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera are fully fit for the crucial Premier League game against Chelsea on Sunday (26 October).

Argentine international Di Maria was substituted after 76 minutes of the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion on Monday, and some speculation suggested he had picked up a thigh injury.

Spanish midfielder Herrera was taken off at half-time, with reports suggesting he had suffered a recurrence of the rib injury that kept him out for three weeks prior to the West Brom game.

But van Gaal played down the concerns during his press conference ahead of the game, claiming both stars are available to play.

"Ander Herrera was already fit and Di Maria said after the game that it wasn't so heavy and it's not.

"It was only the first day he didn't train, so it's no problem. I'm sorry to say no other players are back. I let Carrick play in London for [the] reserves because he needs to play matches when you are five months injured. He told me it was his first game for the reserves."

It is understood Antonio Valencia, Paddy McNair, Jonny Evans, Jesse Lingard and Chris Smalling will miss the game – as well as captain Wayne Rooney, who is still suspended.

United host Jose Mourinho's side with the aim of reducing the 10-point difference between them and the Premier League leaders.

"Chelsea are one of the top teams, as are Manchester City at the moment. Jose [Mourinho] has worked more than a year with his team and last year didn't win anything," van Gaal said.

"You have to build up. They are playing like a team and we have to as well, but to play for 90 minutes. We played as a team against West Bromwich Albion but made individual errors."

Jose Mourinho has claimed that Diego Costa has a small chance of playing, despite his injury concerns.

Speaking about the Spanish striker, van Gaal said: "He will play with him when he can because Jose wants to win."

"He's scored nine goals in seven games – which is remarkable. So he's in good shape but he was ill so you never know."