Louis van Gaal says Daley Blind's recovery 'shall be a long story, but not 6 months or something'

Confusion continues to surround Daley Blind's recovery from the torn knee ligament he suffered on international duty earlier this month.

Initial reports suggested that Blind would be out for four-to-six weeks, a timeline that seemed bad enough for injury-depleted Manchester United. However, while speaking to the media on Thursday, manager Louis van Gaal chose some words that indicate Blind could be facing a far lengthier spell on the sidelines.

"Blind is not ready to play," Van Gaal said. "He has now a brace on his knee, 10 days' rest, then we have to make another scan and we can say more about his injury. It's not so bad as the doctors are thinking after the match, but it shall be a long story, I believe, but not six months or something."

Long story. Not six months. Way to keep the speculation ongoing, Van Gaal.