Manchester United striker Robin van Persie is set for a lengthy lay-off because of an ankle injury, manager Louis van Gaal has revealed.
Van Persie, who has scored 10 goals for United this season, turned his right ankle in the closing stages of the 2-1 defeat to Swansea last Saturday and left the Liberty Stadium on crutches.
Scans have shown the injury is "not heavy", according to Van Gaal, but he still expects a relatively long spell out for the former Arsenal man.
The United boss said: "He is injured. He is the only injured player I have so we change (Michael) Carrick for Van Persie.
"He has an ankle problem. But I don't think it's very heavy but an ankle problem takes a long time. It's not one week or two weeks but we have to wait and see."
Source: PA
