Radamel Falcao using ice pack on knee after every Manchester United match and training session

The Colombian is yet to make an impact at Old Trafford

Simon Rice
Monday 10 November 2014 18:36 GMT
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Radamel Falcao prepares to face Queens Park Rangers in his Manchester United debut
Radamel Falcao prepares to face Queens Park Rangers in his Manchester United debut (GETTY IMAGES)

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Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao is treating his knee with an ice pack after every match and training session.

It's reported that the Colombian striker is doing so to protect against aggravating the serious knee injury suffered in January that forced him to miss the World Cup.

The news raises further concerns about his on-going fitness.

Since joining Manchester United on loan from Monaco, Falcao has featured in just five games and found the back of the net only once. The deadline day signing was hailed as the deal that could revive United's fortunes, however the club's struggles have continued from last season, with Louis van Gaal's side currently seventh in the Premier League, 13 points adrift of leaders Chelsea.

Falcao's move to Old Trafford has been expected to be made permanent, however news that his knee is an ongoing concern could weigh against it.

There is also uncertainty over how Falcao fits into Van Gaal's ever-changing systems. The Dutch manager revealed prior to the weekend that the Colombian has a fight on his hands to gain a place, even if fully fit.

“I have to decide which striker,” Van Gaal said. “It is not his fault. It is not his fault [that] with the other system I could play with two strikers but then the balance wasn’t good. We had difficulties in the last half an hour [of a game.] That is why I have remodelled the structure of my team for the third time. Since then we have less goals in our favour but also less goals conceded and we have played against the better teams in the Premier League in that time on an equal level, more or less.”

Falcao last played against West Brom on 20 October, coming on as a 72 minute substitute. Having missed the last three games, it's hoped he'll be ready for the trip to Arsenal after the international break.

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