• Premier League

Van Gaal: I don't know when Falcao will return

ESPN staff
November 8, 2014
Van Gaal: I cannot create consistency

Radamel Falcao is set to miss his third game in a row for Manchester United as the striker continues to struggle with injury and a lack of match-fitness.

Falcao has played just five times for United since his transfer deadline day loan move from Monaco, and manager Louis van Gaal, whose start with Manchester United has left him "feeling lousy", is unsure when the Colombian will return.

"I cannot say when Falcao will be back," said Van Gaal ahead of Saturday's Premier League game with Manchester United. "It depends on the progress on his injury. It's his calf.

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."

Van Gaal admitted that, even when Falcao is back to full fitness, he may not get into the side.

"I have to decide which striker [to use]," said Van Gaal. "It's not his fault.

"It's not his fault with the other system I could play with two strikers, but then the balance wasn't good. We had difficulties in the last half-an-hour of games. That's why I have remodelled the structure.

"Since then we have less goals in our favour but also less goal conceded.

"We have also played against the better teams in the Premier League in that time on an equal level, more or less."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd
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