Manchester United injury list: Robin van Persie could start against West Brom, but Luke Shaw is out with a groin problem

Dutch striker scored twice for Under-21s

Robin van Persie suffered an ankle injury in the defeat to Swansea (Getty Images)

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie could start for the first time since injuring his ankle at Swansea on 21 February.

The Dutch striker played 45 minutes in the defeat to Everton last week but has not started a game since the 2-1 defeat at the Liberty Stadium more than two months ago.

Van Persie, who has 10 goals this season, scored a brace for Manchester United's Under-21 side this week.

At a press conference Louis van Gaal also confirmed that Michael Carrick, Marcos Rojo and Rafael will still be missing for the Red Devils against West Brom.

Phil Jones has returned to training this week after ankle troubles of his own but is unlikely to feature as he lacks match fitness.

The bad news for Van Gaal is that influential midfielder Michael Carrick remains out with a calf problem and Luke Shaw has been sidelined by another injury - this time to his groin.

Marcos Rojo still has an adductor injury and is therefore unlikely to play.

The week after returning from a six-match ban, Jonny Evans has suffered a nerve injury, which means Van Gaal may have to play Chris Smalling and Paddy McNair at centre-half again, as he did at Goodison Park.

"Shaw has a groin injury and Evans is injured also last week," the United manager told a press conference. "He was six weeks not injured and then he can play and he is injured so that is unlucky."

Additional reporting from PA