Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is set to miss four weeks of action due to an ankle injury.
The 31-year-old Dutch striker has scored 10 times this season but missed United’s 3-1 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup last week through an injury problem.
Van Persie has had an indifferent season but Van Gaal was keen to have a fully fit squad available for the season run in, which he hopes will see United qualify for Champions League football.
The Dutch striker completed the full 90 minutes against Swansea City at the weekend but was seen limping away from the stadium with a protective boot in his right foot.
And, whilst there has been no official diagnosis from the Red Devils, the former Arsenal striker is expected to miss four weeks of action.