Manchester United are missing several key players ahead of their Saturday’s crucial Premier League clash with league leaders Chelsea. Louis van Gaal has revealed that United will be without Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo, Daley Blind and Phil Jones for this game.

Also missing for this game is Jonny Evans, who is serving his six-match ban for spitting at Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse.

With Jones and Rojo both sidelined, Van Gaal will make a choice between youngsters Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair for the central defensive role alongside Chris Smalling.

Louis van Gaal tells #MUTV that Carrick, Rojo, Jones & Blind will miss Saturday’s game at Chelsea. Evans still suspended. Shaw available.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 17, 2015

Carrick and Blind are both out which leaves Van Gaal short of holding midfielders for this game. The Dutchman has insisted that injuries elsewhere may require Wayne Rooney to play as a holding midfielder at Stamford Bridge.

If Rooney plays in midfield, it could present another opportunity for Radamel Falcao to impress his manager. The Colombian striker has cut a forlorn figure since he joined from Monaco on loan last summer and there are suggestions that United are not interested in making his loan deal into a permanent move.

Falcao can still make a big impression on Saturday if he puts in a strong performance and get his name on the scoresheet. Van Gaal may also start with Robin van Persie, who has returned to training, and is expected to be available for the first time since United’s loss to Swansea in February.