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."
Even a two-week recovery would mean Van Persie returning to fitness on March 13 but United face his former club Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-finals on March 9.
Dutch striker Van Persie has struggled for fitness and form this season, scoring 10 goals in 24 appearances, and his latest setback could see Radamel Falcao handed an extended period in the starting XI.
However, the Colombian, who joined United on a season-long loan from AS Monaco for £6 million, has failed to live up to expectations, scoring just four goals in 19 appearances.
United have the option of paying around £43 million to make Falcao's move permanent at the end season, but Van Gaal did little to boost the 29-year-old's confidence when asked if he would start against Sunderland on Saturday.
"The possibility is higher (that Falcao will play) of course because when a striker is away another has to play," he said. "We will have to wait and see."
United could climb above Arsenal into third in the Premier League table if they beat Sunderland at Old Trafford as the Gunners host Everton on Sunday.
Van Gaal admitted it was "a rat race between five clubs" to finish in the top four and said it would be a "big disappointment" if United failed to qualify for the Champions League.
"Our process is continuing and always we are going better," the Dutchman said. "In spite of the many injuries we have had in the first half of the season and also in spite of the criticism of our defence, we are there.
"We are still in the FA Cup so I am pleased with the results, but not with a lot of the performances of my team.
"When you see our matches we are mostly the better team, but the better team is not always winning."
-Source: PA Sport - 2/27/15, 8:42 PM
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