Louis van Gaal has admitted that David de Gea is likely to return to action against Arsenal on Sunday.

The United shotstopper has been out of action since he injured himself in the warm-up for their first leg against FC Midtjylland eight days ago and had been expected to miss out this weekend.

“I expect [David can return] because I saw the way he was today,” said van Gaal

United should also have Chris Smalling back for the game but are still struggling all over the pitch due to injury.

Anthony Martial is another who is still a major doubt with a tight hamstring while United will be without Valencia, Fellaini, Rooney, Shaw, Young and a number of others.

About Martial, van Gaal added “I don’t know because it has happened before the match. I’ve talked with him. I have talked with the physiotherapist that already had control of him.

“I cannot say, but it is not as heavy as everybody thinks, but you never know.”

Arsenal, on the other hand, will be without Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Rosicky, Arteta, and Cazorla while Gabriel faces a fitness test but could come back into the squad.