The Dutch coach has revealed Antonio Valencia and Bastian Schweinsteiger are close to full fitness but does not expect either to feature from the start against the Reds
Louis van Gaal has promised to field his strongest available line-up for Manchester United's Europa League last-16 first leg clash with Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday.
The Dutch coach has been boosted by the return to action of Antonio Valencia who has been out since October with an ankle injury but should make the substitutes' bench for the clash with Jurgen Klopp's side.
Van Gaal also revealed that midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was getting closer to recovering from a knee problem which has kept him out for two months, but suggested the Liverpool game has come too soon despite the Germany captain's return to training.
"[Antonio] Valencia is coming back and [Bastian] Schweinsteiger is coming back - I think a lot of players shall come back in month of March," Van Gaal told his pre-match media conference on Wednesday.
"When they come back it's not so easy to decide if they can cope with the rhythm of the matches though.
"Bastian has had only one training session with us, Valencia has had a week - he is closer to being on the bench for example but not to play a match, that's different.
"Valencia is fit enough to be on the bench, but to play 90 minutes? I don't think so.
"They are fit to train but, for example, Schweinsteiger only has one training session behind his back.
"You don't have to forget that I shall always make the line-up the strongest I can for the opponent.
"Nevertheless, I sometimes put youngsters in the line-up, but I think it is the best solution.
"It is always a big game traditionally and historically. Especially because both sides fight for the Champions League position so it's a big game for both sides."
- Goal