Daley Blind blow worsens situation at injury-ridden Manchester United

New Delhi: With Arsenal waiting in the weekend's Premier League tie at the Emirates in London, the situation at Manchester United has hit a new low. Daley Blind who has been Louis van Gaal's one of the main components as an utility player, is reportedly out for upto six weeks with a knee injury. The Dutch international suffered a blow on his knee in the Euro 2016 qualifying match between Netherlands and Latvia.

The versatile player lasted for 20 minutes before being forced off the field. National coach Guus Hiddink later confirmed that the midfielder will miss several weeks of football serving an unwanted news for the English giants. United lost three players in the international frame with Spain's David de Gea suffering a broken finger, and England's Michael Carrick too withdrawing from his national squad after a reported groin injury.

Injuries have been the main problem of United this season with 10 players being out in the current situation. The season that has seen United getting off to an ordinary start, will find another daunting task when they take on rivals Arsenal this weekend.

The main problems have been in defence where Rafael (thigh), Marcos Rogo (dislocated shoulder), Johnny Evans (ankle) and Phil Jones (calf/shin) are all on the injury list. Evans and Jones have suffered the worst with both missing action since months. Chris Smalling who missed the game against Crystal Palace through suspension, is likely to feature alongside youngster Paddy Mcnair against the Gunners. Tyler Blackett is the only other fit defender. That in turn has forced Van Gaal to field a different back four in all of United's 11 games so far.

The midfield region gets a new jolt with both Blind and Carrick out. The latter has made only two appearances this season and after a long injury in the summer, he has again been sidelined. Blind has been instrumental in the defensive midfield role with his ability to hold the ball and make good passes. The supply channel now looks dry for United with both of these players being out. Ander Herrera and Maruoane Fellaini will have to step up now.

David de Gea who has been the best player for the club this season, is expected to be out for around three weeks. Anders Lindegaard who hasn't featured in the EPL at all this term, is likely to guard the post.

Also Falcao who was loaned from French club Monaco this summer, has also been serving a lengthy time out with injury. Wingers Ashley Young and Jesse Lingard too haven't returned from the sidelines.

Statistics suggest that the club have had 39 injuries in total this season and that is an alarming rate for any top profile outfit.

United have a busy December ahead of them with several high profile clashes in its schedule. With key assets out for a long term, and several match short players, United are in a strange situation and Louis van Gaal will hope it doesn't get worse from here on.