Marouane Fellaini to be assessed for possible hamstring tear

Marouane Fellaini fears he may have suffered a hamstring tear and could be ruled out for several weeks, which would make him the 11th first-team Manchester United player unavailable due to injury.

Fellaini was in his homeland of Belgium on Wednesday to be examined by a trusted specialist there but is now back in Manchester to be assessed by the club.

Louis van Gaal left the midfielder out of his 18-player squad for Thursday evening's Europa League last-32 opening leg at Midjytlland in Herning. Van Gaal was also unable to select Wayne Rooney due to a knee injury that will keep the captain out for at least six games.

If Fellaini’s fears are confirmed it will be the latest injury blow suffered by the manager. The high number of players unavailable may cause Van Gaal and the club to investigate, particularly as the Dutchman’s squad also suffered a similar number of injury problems in the opening half of last season.

(Guardian service)