Written By: Nirmalya Dutta | Published : July 28, 2014 6:54 PM IST
Brazilian right-back Rafael da Silva has pulled out of Manchester United's tour of the United States to get treatment for a groin problem, according the club's official website. This means that United will be short of a right-back come the new season and though Phil Jones and Chris Smalling are both capable of playing there, Van Gaal prefers to play them at centre-back. It's likelier to winger Antonio Valencia will deputise as a right-wing-back to cover for the Brazilian.
The 24-year-old sustained the injury in training before the Red Devils' win over Roma in Denver on Friday. The Brazilian won't be available be for any of the following matches in the USA.
'As he was unlikely to participate in the remaining tour games, returning to the Aon training complex affords the best overall option for his recovery in time to continue pre-season preparation when the team returns,' said a statement on manutd.com.
