Manchester United injury news: Angel Di Maria out for Liverpool game but Radamel Falcao may play

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has confirmed Angel Di Maria, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Daley Blind will miss the Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday 14 December due to injuries. However, Radamel Falcao is fit to play.

After consecutive victories over Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Hull, Stoke and Southampton, United sit third in the league and host Brendan Rodgers' side, who are seven points behind them.

Van Gaal is optimistic about both the game and the injury crisis, claiming that even though Di Maria - who was expected to be fit for the crucial clash against Liverpool - is still out of action, they are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

"We have only four players injured so that is better than ever. We have Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Angel Di Maria and Daley Blind," he said.

Asked if Falcao could be involved on Sunday, he said: "Yes. He could make a return."

Di Maria picked up a hamstring injury in the first half of the win over Hull City at Old Trafford on 29 November and has since missed both the 2-1 win over Stoke City on 2 December as well as the trip to Southampton on 8 December.

The manager also confirmed recent reports claiming Smalling will be out for two weeks, meaning he may return for the Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United.

The centre-back was replaced early on during the win at Southampton after he suffered a muscle problem, while Shaw and Blind are scheduled to make their returns early in the new year.

And Phil Jones is expected to return to action following a shin injury he picked up in the 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion in October.