Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo foot injury not deemed serious by Louis van Gaal

Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo will have the foot injury suffering during the Premier League win over Arsenal assessed before being passed fit for the visit of Watford. The Argentina defender was victim of a kick from Danny Welbeck in the second half and was replaced by debutant Tim Fosu-Mensah just prior to the hour mark.

Manager Louis van Gaal later confirmed that despite Rojo picking up the blow the move to bring off the former Sporting Lisbon player was pre-planned. The 25-year-old was making his first start for three months following a shoulder problem and was not expected to complete his first full game since November.

However, having suffered the injury which saw the versatile United defender in some pain after the break Rojo is now a doubt to make his second start in a row for the visit of Quique Sanchez Flores' side on Wednesday [2 March]. Van Gaal says the player will be checked before his fitness is determined.

"I don't think it is serious, it was a kick," the United boss said, according to the Manchester Evening News. "We have to wait and see, of course. It was also a good position that I gave him the first minutes to play. My plan was already 60 minutes. He didn't reach the 60 minutes because of the kick.

"He got a kick and my plan was already 60 minutes so that is why Timothy (Fosu-Mensah) was running from half time so it was five minutes early so it was not a big thing. I don't take risks with players who are coming back. He did it very well I think, the first match after hardly three training sessions."

Van Gaal is expected to provide an update regarding the condition of Rojo and the other 12 injury victims currently in his United squad, which has forced him into fielding several youngsters this season – with much success. Captain Wayne Rooney is among them and he provided a positive update regarding his recovery from a knee problem after he was seen in a brace as he arrived at Old Trafford for the 3-2 win over Arsenal.