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Louis van Gaal has confirmed Anthony Martial and Matteo Darmian are in contention for Manchester United's clash with Watford on Wednesday.

And the Dutchman also hinted Chris Smalling could play a part at Old Trafford. Martial has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury while Darmian hasn't played since the 2-1 defeat at Sunderland after suffering a shoulder problem.

It their absence youngsters Marcus Rashford and Guillermo Varela excelled against Arsenal on Sunday.

Wayne Rooney is still absent, along with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Phil Jones, Ashley Young and Luke Shaw. Marcos Rojo should be available despite coming off during the 3-2 win over Arsenal after getting a kick on the ankle.

Van Gaal said: "Players are coming back. It is positive. I think Martial can play, Darmian can play and maybe Smalling. We'll wait and see. Rojo got a kick. A lot of players receive kicks and they can play the next match.

"Players are coming back in March, I think, but we have to build them up also. You have seen how I did it with Marcos Rojo - 20 minutes and then 60 minutes, though he did not reach that.

"Fellaini and Valencia are the next ones to come back, I think. Fellaini shall come into the last step of the process, team training, and also Valencia today has trained with the group, so they are coming back."

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