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Man Utd duo Anthony Martial and Chris Smalling could face Watford

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Louis van Gaal admits his Manchester United players are struggling to recover in time for their Premier League game against Watford

Manchester United could have Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling and Matteo Darmian back to face Watford on Wednesday.

Louis van Gaal gave Premier League debuts to three more players during Sunday's win over Arsenal but has reported good news ahead of Watford's visit to Old Trafford.

Right-back Darmian has missed four games with a shoulder injury, while a similar problem has kept key centre-half Smalling out for two and Martial has missed two with a tight hamstring.

Manchester United's Anthony Martial warms up
Image: Anthony Martial has not played since feeling his hamstring ahead of Manchester United's win over FC Midtjylland

"Players are coming back," Van Gaal told MUTV. "It is positive. I think Martial can play, Darmian can play and maybe Smalling - we'll wait and see for tomorrow."

Marcos Rojo, replaced during the second half of the Arsenal game, is also likely to be available. Van Gaal said: "It was a kick. A lot of players receive kicks and they can play the next match."

Darmian injured his shoulder at the Stadium of Light
Image: Matteo Darmian has missed four matches since injuring a shoulder at Sunderland

"It is a very difficult programme for us because we have to recover within two days for the second time. We have a small selection so it's difficult and I cannot rotate too much.

"But I feel that the players are doing everything to recover. They are very professional and I hope that we can continue."

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Next to return, according to the manager, will be Antonio Valencia (foot) and Marouane Fellaini (muscle).

"Fellaini and Valencia are the next ones to come back, I think," Van Gaal said. "Fellaini shall come into the last step of the process, team training, and also Valencia today has trained with the group, so they are coming back."

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