Manchester United: Adnan Januzaj and Rafael suffer injuries during U21 clash against Leicester City

Manchester United have been handed a fresh injury blow after defender Rafael and midfielder Adnan Januzaj suffered injuries when they turned out for the U21 side on Monday evening.

"Rafael and Adnan Januzaj sustained injuries during Manchester United Under-21s' 1-1 draw at Leicester City," a statement read on United's official site.

The Brazilian defender has hardly featured for the Red Devils since the turn of the year and has played just over three minutes of football in three months. He started for the U21side on Monday and was withdrawn just as the interval was drawing near with what looked like a rib injury, following a strong tackle from a Foxes player.

Rafael, who joined United in 2008, has struggled to nail down a regular place in the team this season, with Antonio Valencia preferred to him in the right-back role. Reports have suggested that the Brazilian, who is entering the final-year of his contract, will be allowed to leave in the summer.

Januzaj, who also started for the U21's, was taken off in the 54<sup>th minute after he pulled up while chasing the ball and was unable to continue after. The Belgian, who was a revelation under former manager David Moyes, has struggled to adapt to Louis van Gaal style, and will be anxious to know the plans for his future at the club.

The Dutch manager will be anxious to know the extent of the duos injury ahead of United's trip to Goodison Park on Saturday, 26 April, as he is already without Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Michael Carrick and Daley Blind after they picked up knocks ahead of United's defeat to Chelsea last weekend.

However, according to the Telegraph, three of the four above mentioned players could return to training ahead of the Red Devils clash against the Toffees, with Carrick the only doubt after picking up an ankle injury during their win over Manchester City on 12 April.

On another positive note, Robin van Persie made a return to football after he successfully completed 62 minutes for the U21 side, which should see him play some part when Van Gaal's team visit Merseyside for their next Premier League clash after being an unused substitute during their defeat at Stamford Bridge.