Manchester United Injury News: Luke Shaw Feared Out for Three Weeks with Ankle Ligament Damage

Manchester United will be without Luke Shaw for three more weeks after initial reports hinted at ligament damage in his ankle, according to the Daily Mail.

The former Southampton man had to be substituted before half time in their game against Arsenal at the Emirates, with Ashley Young filling in at wing-back. Shaw's absence will put further pressure on their defence especially with Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind, capable of filling in at left-back, out with injuries.

The defender is yet to undergo proper scans on his knee as the subsequent swelling and bruising has forced him to wear a protective boot, but the scan will be conducted soon to give Louis van Gaal a true estimate of his absence. United have been hit with a series of injuries to key players this season, which has stunted their development.

However, the win against Arsenal will go a long way in reinstating their belief which was all but dwindling in the wake of performances against the teams in the lower half of the table. The Red Devils are currently fourth in the league, two points ahead of the Gunners and need to carry their form forward to the subsequent games if they have to keep their hopes alive of moving back into the top four.

Meanwhile, Van Gaal insisted that he was right to start Shaw against Arsenal and that it was unfortunate that the defender suffered an injury while colliding with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

"I am convinced that I made the right decision. This is the life of a manager, the result is always giving you the reason or not [to pick these players]. I cannot do other things because I don't have so many players," Van Gaal told United's Official Website.

"Shaw has come back from internationals not fit enough so we made him fit, but then he gets injured again. Then I have to give Young a game but Young is not fit enough to play 90 minutes. I have said this before. Then I have to change the line-up again," he concluded.

Amid the gloom, van Gaal will be boosted by the imminent return of Jonny Evans, who is reported to be in action in a Reserves friendly against Blackburn Rovers.