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Man Utd defender Chris Smalling hopes to return to Louis van Gaal's starting XI at Stoke
MANCHESTER UNITED defender Chris Smalling is hoping to return to Louis van Gaal's first-team for tomorrow's trip to Stoke.
Chris Smalling hopes to return to first-team duties against Stoke
The England centre-half picked up a groin problem in the 2-1 win over Southampton at the beginning of the month but returned from off the bench to face Tottenham on Sunday.
The 25-year-old missed out on clashes against Liverpool, Aston Villa and Newcastle, but hopes to be ready to start against Stoke on New Year's Day.
"The injury was massively frustrating, but it’s good that I haven’t missed too many games, and hopefully I can get back into the side and begin contributing again," Smalling said.
Stoke v Manchester United - Premier League Preview
Hopefully I can get back into the side and begin contributing again
"It’s difficult when you see the other players out on the training pitch while you have to stay inside and take it slowly.
On United's injury situation, he added: "We’ve been unfortunate - you tend to go through phases where you suffer no injuries at all, and then three or four will come along at once.
"We’ve not been able to stem the tide just yet, but hopefully in the new year we’ll have more players available for some important games."
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