Anthony Martial is unlikely to feature in Manchester United's must-win Premier League match against West Ham at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday. Martial was a late withdrawal in the match against Norwich City on Saturday with a hamstring problem.
Louis Van Gaal said he did not want to take a risk with the Frenchman, after the latter complained of pain in his hamstring, and the Dutchman is likely to stick with the same principle for the match on Tuesday as well. While Martial travelled with the rest of the squad to London on Monday, Van Gaal will play Martial only if the France international has been full passed fit.
"I cannot say (if Martial will play) because we have to wait," Van Gaal was quoted as saying by The Guardian. "If his muscles are still tight I don't take any risks because he is a very important player. We don't want a rupture and that is very important for us."
"He is 20 years old. I have to take care of him so he didn't play," Van Gaal added on MUTV. "When a player says he feels something, he shall not play. I think you have to be fit - especially in this weather as that is a big difference."
Manchester United went on to beat Norwich City 1-0 without Martial, with Wayne Rooney laying on an assist for Juan Mata to finish. After Manchester City failed to pick up a win over Arsenal, Manchester United have the top four destiny in their own hands. If they win their final two games, they will finish above Manchester City and have Champions League football next season.
Daley Blind and Marcus Rashford, rested on Saturday, are expected to come back into the squad, but Matteo Darmian is unlikely to play, after injuring his ankle against Norwich. Marouane Fellaini remains suspended, while Luke Shaw and Bastian Schweinsteiger are still out.
West Ham, who play their final game at Upton Park before moving to the Olympic Stadium next season, will be without goalkeeper Adrian, but that is the only injury worry for Slaven Bilic.
