Carrick, Rojo, Jones and Blind ruled out

ESPN FC’s Shaka Hislop asks whether Manchester United can reignite the title race when they head to Chelsea on Saturday.

Manchester United have been hit by an injury crisis with Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Phil Jones all ruled out of Saturday’s clash with league leaders Chelsea.

Manager Louis van Gaal finds himself short of defenders and defensive midfielders for the game against Jose Mourinho’s side as United will have to make at least three changes.

United are also still without Jonny Evans, who is serving his six-match ban for spitting at Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse.

Jones had formed a fine central defensive partnership with Chris Smalling in the wins over Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City but with the former Blackburn player and Argentina international Rojo both sidelined, Van Gaal faces a choice between youngsters Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair.

“It’s part of life in football,” Van Gaal told MUTV.

Luke Shaw, who is available for the first time since the FA Cup defeat to Arsenal, is the likely candidate to replace the versatile Blind at left-back.

But with both the Dutchman and vice-captain Carrick out, Van Gaal is short of holding midfielders.

Striker Robin van Persie is expected to be available for the first time since the loss to Swansea after returning to training.

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