• Premier League

Rojo could be back for Manchester United in six weeks

Marcos Rojo dislocated his shoulder during Manchester United's 1-0 defeat against Manchester City © PA Photos

Enlarge

Manchester United centre-back Marcos Rojo could return to action in less than six weeks after dislocating his left shoulder in last weekend's Manchester derby.

The Argentina international was carried off during United's 1-0 defeat at Manchester City after being injured in a challenge with his Argentina team-mate Martin Demichelis.

And while his father said the former Sporting Lisbon player would only be out for two or three games, there were fears the 24-year-old could be sidelined for up to three months.

But Louis van Gaal confirmed ahead of Saturday's meeting with Crystal Palace that Rojo had avoided the need for surgery and could be back in contention before the New Year.

"Rojo dislocated his shoulder but he did it as positive a way as you can," The Manchester United manager said. "

We do not need him to have an operation, so that is a relief but maybe with this injury it is very likely that it can happen again and that is the problem. There is the risk it can happen again.

"The human body is made by God, not me. But it can be less than six weeks."

With Jonny Evans and Phil Jones still sidelined and Chris Smalling suspended after being sent off against City, midfielder Michael Carrick is likely to deputise in the centre of defence alongside Paddy McNair or Tyler Blackett.

"Smalling is suspended, Evans and Jones are still injured, so I have to solve a problem," Van Gaal admitted.

"I don't want to say who is playing yet - if I say that then I give away what I'm trying to do. We've trained today but I may do things differently."

Van Gaal said Radamel Falcao, who has missed United's last three games, remains injured.

He added: "The problem for Falcao is because of balance in the game. I had to change, he came in and assisted a goal. Then in training he was injured.

"I cannot judge now because he is injured and I changed him not because of his performance but because of the balance of the team, which is much more important than the individual."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd