Football
Richard Jolly, ESPN.com writer 8y

Phil Jones and Ander Herrera miss Manchester United trip to Leicester

Manchester United will again be without Phil Jones and Ander Herrera for the top-of-the-table clash at Leicester on Saturday.

Defender Jones suffered an ankle problem in Saturday's 2-1 win at Watford and has not recovered, meaning Daley Blind is likely to carry on partnering Chris Smalling at centre-back.

Midfielder Herrera, who set up Memphis Depay's opening goal at Vicarage Road, suffered a hamstring injury and also sat out Wednesday's 0-0 Champions League draw against PSV Eindhoven.

United manager Louis van Gaal hopes neither will be out for the long term but told MUTV: "These kind of injuries you cannot predict.

"I don't think it is weeks, but I think within two weeks one of the two can come back. But I don't know, you can never predict that because injuries are unpredictable."

Van Gaal will also assess the United players involved in the PSV game before naming his starting XI against Claudio Ranieri's team.

"It's too early to say something about that, but it was a very intense game," the Dutchman added. "I cannot say too much about that."

Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial made their comebacks in the Champions League tie after illness and a foot injury respectively.

Full-backs Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia remain long-term absentees, while James Wilson has joined Championship club Brighton on loan.

"I have not always chosen him in the selection, and I think for him it's better to play at his age than sit on the bench or play in the second squad," Van Gaal said.

"In the short term, maybe it's not so good for Manchester United, but in the long term it's better. It is part of the development of a player."

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