Manchester United injury news: Michael Carrick returns but Matteo Darmian joins Bastian Schweinstieger on sidelines

Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick appear dejected after conceding a goal to Norwich (Getty Images)

Manchester United will have veteran midfielder Michael Carrick back from injury for Friday’s FA Cup fourth round clash at Derby County, although defender Matteo Darmian has been added to Louis van Gaal’s lengthy injury list.

The under-pressure manager has lamented United’s troubles this season given a constant stream of injuries, and while initial fears of a collapsed lung and broken ribs were dismissed following a nasty collision with Southampton striker Shane Long last weekend, he will miss the Derby encounter with a head injury.

Van Gaal was also unable to confirm when Bastian Schweinsteiger and Phil Jones would return after their short-term injury lay-offs proved much longer than initially expected.

The news only adds to Van Gaal’s long-term concerns, with Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia not expected to return until April at the earliest after suffering a broken leg and ankle injuries respectively.

Marcos Rojo is another who will miss the trip to the iPro Stadium and the defender has returned to Argentina this week to continue his recovery ahead of a proposed return next month.

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Ashley Young is the only other injury concern, with the England international facing a “long time out” after undergoing surgery on a groin problem.