Nick Powell is struggling with a calf injury, reveals Manchester United youth coach Tommy Martin.

It has been widely reported that Louis van Gaal has made Powell available for transfer in January and the midfielder has been linked with a loan move to Preston North End over the past few days.

Due to his impending departure, many felt that Powell was left out of the Under-21 squad on Monday but Martin has gone on to address the speculation by attributing the 21-year-old's absence to a calf problem.

Martin said: "He's injured. He's got a calf strain at the moment."

Powell's injury may place his possible shift to Deepdale in doubt as the Lilywhites look to bring in reinforcements quickly in a bid to strengthen Simon Grayson's squad who sit 10 points out of the playoff places.