Wayne Rooney among five Manchester United players to miss Watford trip

New Delhi: Five of Manchester United's first team players will miss the club's trip to Watford on Saturday due to injury problems.

Speaking to the club's television channel, manager Louis van Gaal on Friday confirmed the news.

The injury list includes skipper Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Antonio Valencia, Marouane Fellaini and Michael Carrick.

Louis van Gaal tells #MUTV Carrick, Martial, Fellaini and Valencia are all injured, while Rooney is ill. All will miss Watford. — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 20, 2015

The Dutchman however, is hopeful of strikers Rooney and Martial returning for the crucial Champions League fixture against PSV Eindhoven.

The boss hopes Martial and Rooney could return against PSV. Valencia has had an operation and requires a long-term recovery. #MUTV — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 20, 2015

Van Gaal says Wilson is available but cannot play the full 90 minutes due to a lack of match rhythm. #MUTV — Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 20, 2015

The Red Devils, with 24 points from 12 matches, are currently two points off pace at the top of the league.

Gameweek 13 presented the Old Trafford outfit an ideal chance of closing the gap with Manchester City, who face Liverpool at home.

With a crisis in the attacking department, United's prospects for a weekend win have been dealt a major blow.

Though Van Gaal's men start as favorites against Watford, goals could be hard to come by at Vicarage Road on Saturday.