Louis van Gaal: 'Chris Smalling could return against Newcastle United'

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has claimed that Chris Smalling has a chance of returning for the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United.

The England defender limped out of his side's 2-1 win over Southampton earlier this month, but Van Gaal has told reporters at a press conference that "maybe Smalling has a chance" of featuring against the Magpies.

However, the Dutchman confirmed that Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw would all remain unavailable.

Angel di Maria, however, is expected to return to the starting XI after making his comeback from the bench against Aston Villa last time out.