Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has suffered another injury blow to his squad after a scan revealed midfielder Ander Herrera sustained a fractured rib against West Ham at the weekend.

The 25-year-old Spaniard, a £28.8million signing in the summer from Athletic Bilbao, has been an important member of Van Gaal's side and becomes the 10th player in the United squad to be injured.

Herrera, who is facing several weeks on the sidelines, was substituted in the 74th minute of the 2-1 win against the Hammers after suffering the injury.

The club say his progress will be monitored over the next few weeks but it is not known exactly how long the injury will keep him out for in total.

The news comes as another blow to Van Gaal, who also has captain Wayne Rooney suspended for all United's matches in October after his sending off against West Ham for kicking out at Stewart Downing. Nine other players were missing from Saturday's match due to injury

United's next game is at home to Everton on Sunday, but Van Gaal will at least have defender Tyler Blackett back from suspension.

Herrera has scored two goals in his four matches at United, whose official website stated: "Ander Herrera sustained a fractured rib during the match against West Ham United on Saturday. The club will continue to monitor his progress over the next few weeks.

Herrera tweeted this afternoon: "A real shame this injury, but now's not the time to feel sorry for myself. I'm already working to be back as soon as possible!"