Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal has revealed that he is not expecting Antonio Valencia to return from foot surgery for at least three months.
The Ecuador international underwent a procedure earlier this month after sustaining the injury in the goalless draw with Manchester City.
In an interview with MUTV, the manager said: "Valencia is longer term and very long. It is not within three months or something. It is a very heavy injury."
The 30-year-old had started just two matches for United this season before picking up the injury.
