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Di Maria and Herrera fit to face Chelsea

Ander Herrera suffered a fractured rib against West Ham last month © Getty Images

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Angel Di Maria and Ander Herrera have been passed fit to play for Manchester United against Chelsea on Sunday.

Both midfielders were doubts after being substituted in United's 2-2 draw against West Brom on Monday.

But Louis van Gaal has confirmed they are available, while Michael Carrick will build up his fitness by playing for the club's reserve team at West Ham on Friday evening.

Herrera, who only lasted 45 minutes against West Brom, was making his comeback after being out with a cracked rib while Di Maria was pictured with ice on his thigh after suffering a dead leg, but Van Gaal said he only missed one day's training.

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Van Gaal said in a news conference: "Ander Herrera was already fit for the last game and [as for] Di Maria, I said after the [West Brom] match that it should be not so heavy. He has trained on Thursday so no problem."

Di Maria, who is United's club record £59.7 million signing, has scored three goals and created four more in his last four games.

United will not welcome back any of their injured contingent, which still includes centre-back Jonny Evans, while captain Wayne Rooney is still suspended.

"I am sorry to say that I cannot say that one player is returning," Van Gaal added.

Carrick, who had ankle surgery in July, is set to make a belated debut for United's under-21 side after eight years at the club.

Van Gaal added: "I let Michael Carrick play in London against West Ham in the reserve team because I believe he needs to play matches, especially when you are [out for] five months injured. He told me it is his first appearance in the second team but it is like that."

Former Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes is also training with United, who will sign him on a permanent contract if he proves his fitness and impresses.

Van Gaal, who managed Valdes during his days at Nou Camp, explained: "I have done that already with a lot of players. A lot of players I have a relationship with. I gave also Ronald de Boer or Edgar Davids rehabilitation possibilities or training possibilities when they needed that.

"This is one of those players. Robin van Persie also, when he played with me in the Dutch squad last year, I have allowed him to come to our medical department to get him fit for the World Cup."

Asked if he would sign Valdes, he replied: "Manchester United has always their eyes open."

Louis van Gaal said "Manchester United has always their eyes open" when asked about signing Victor Valdes © Getty Images

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