Michael Carrick out for rest of season with calf injury

Carrick has not played since suffering the injury against Manchester City on April 12.

It was hoped that the midfielder would return, but he has no chance of featuring in the final three games of the season, Louis van Gaal said.

Michael Carrick will miss the remainder of the season with the calf injury sustained against Manchester City.

Carrick has been a big influence in the Manchester United team this season

The good news for Van Gaal is that defenders Jonny Evans (sciatica) and Marcos Rojo (adductor) are in contention for a place in the squad for the trip to London after overcoming their respective injury problems.

'Rojo is coming back but (I may) put him on the bench or something like that,' Van Gaal said.

'Evans is a candidate for the bench but he needs match rhythm.'  

Van Gaal's immediate priority is returning to winning ways on Saturday at Selhurst Park.

The Dutchman has presided over three straight defeats, putting United's chances of Champions League qualification in jeopardy.

A few weeks ago United were being tipped as outside challengers for the title, but they are now 18 points shy of the summit.

Van Gaal revealed he texted Jose Mourinho a congratulatory message after Chelsea secured the league title

Chelsea won the league last weekend with three matches to spare and Van Gaal declared his former apprentice Jose Mourinho a worthy winner.

The 63-year-old, who was Mourinho's boss at Barcelona, opened his press conference on Friday with a tribute to the Blues and their manager.

'I have sent him a (congratulatory) text already, but I don't know if the message has arrived because I know he changes his number a lot,' Van Gaal said with a smile.

'But I want to wish my colleague Jose Mourinho and Chelsea congratulations on a well-deserved championship.