Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal says Chris Smalling suffered a groin strain during their draw at Sunderland.
Smalling was substituted minutes before halftime to set tongues wagging.
But Van Gaal explained: "Of course, we have a lot of injuries right now.
"We had seven and now Smalling is already injured again so it is eight. You need all of your players. It is a groin injury, but we will have to wait and see how long. It is too early at the moment."
