Manchester United injury news: Wayne Rooney expected to return for Norwich clash

Manchester United have been handed an injury boost as Wayne Rooney could feature for their upcoming clash against Norwich City at Old Trafford on 19 December. The striker has been sidelined with an ankle injury and last featured in his side's 1-1 draw against Leicester City.

Louis van Gaal has seen his side struggle in recent times as they are without a win in the last five matches in all competitions, which includes a 2-1 defeat at the hands of AFC Bournemouth. In addition to this, they were knocked out of the Champions League group stages, forcing them to settle for the Europa League.

They are already without several of their star players and the list includes the likes of Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling, Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia. In addition to this, Bastian Schweinsteiger will miss the next two matches as he faces a three-match ban after he appeared to elbow West Ham United's Winston Reid.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Rooney has stepped up his recovery in order to make himself available when United host the Canaries. Summer signing Anthony Martial was leading the Red Devils' attack, with Juan Mata playing in the number 10 role in the England international's absence.

Rooney's potential return will be a timely boost for Van Gaal and United, who are without a win for over a month. Mata could move to the right wing, while Memphis Depay may start on the left side in the absence of Jesse Lingard, if the club captain is included in the playing XI on Saturday.

Should the 30-year-old fail to make it to the clash against Norwich, he is expected to return to action during the Boxing Day fixture against Stoke City. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager will be hoping Rooney and Martial can fire United to a victory in order to end their recent disappointing run.