Friday 13 May 2016 18:16, UK
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that defender Luke Shaw will not be fit in time to return for the club's FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace on May 21.
Shaw, 20, has been out of action for the Red Devils since suffering a double leg break against PSV Eindhoven in Champions League in September.
There were hopes that the England international could recover in time to face the Eagles at Wembley in the final game of the season.
However, Van Gaal has ruled out the possibility of Shaw returning against Alan Pardew's side at the end of the month.
"I have always said to Luke that he can play in the final to keep his motivation high, but now I cannot say that anymore because we are in the final," said the Dutchman, speaking at press conference ahead of Sunday's Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.
"It is a pity because he cannot reach that level to play. He needs more time to play but it keeps his motivation very high.
"It is still high and I have to give compliments to him because it is not easy to be away for such a long time. He is coming back, but he is coming back next season."
Van Gaal also confirmed that Matteo Darmian and Bastian Schweinsteiger were likely to miss the final, whilst Adnan Janzaj remained a doubt after picking up an injury in training.
"Darmian is still out but can be in. It is dependable on the progress. Schweinsteiger is out and Shaw is out," said Van Gaal.
"Ashley Young is coming in, so he is restored of his injury and can train tomorrow with our squad. But it is one training session.
"Unfortunately Januzaj has been injured in the training session on Monday, so he is out for Sunday. We have to wait and see for the final."
United head into their final league game against Bournemouth knowing that victory against the Cherries might not be enough to secure fourth place and Champions League football for next season.
The Red Devils surrendered their game-in-hand advantage over Manchester City in the race for fourth after suffering a disappointing 3-2 defeat away at West Ham on Tuesday evening.
The Old Trafford club now need their cross-city rivals to lose away at Swansea on Sunday if they are to overtake Manuel Pellegrini's side into fourth place.
"We are now dependent on Manchester City and that is the difference," said Van Gaal.
"That is also frustrating because we had the chance, with two games to go, to keep that advantage.
"We were 2-1 ahead with 15 minutes to play and we gave it away. That is frustrating as now we are dependable. It is still possible, so we fight until the end."
