Brown times return to perfection

Thomas Keppell
Friday 24 April 2009 00:00 BST
Comments
(GETTY IMAGES)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

As Manchester United and Arsenal prepare to do battle in the Champions League next week the two clubs are counting up the injured with Gary Neville and John O'Shea of United and the Gunners' Robin van Persie all set to miss the match.

For United Neville, and O'Shea could be out for weeks, according to their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, after being forced out of Wednesday night's 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Old Trafford. United will be pleased then that Wes Brown is just returning from injury himself. Rafael da Silva provides the only other cover at right-back and, while the Brazilian has had an outstanding season for United, Ferguson may be reluctant to rely solely on a teenager.

After a season wrecked by injury, Brown came through a reserve team game at Preston North End on Monday and Ferguson is ready to put him into the squad for tomorrow's home game with Tottenham.

Arsène Wenger confirmed his goalkeeper Manuel Almunia, defender Johan Djourou (knee) and Emmanuel Adebayor could all be in contention for Arsenal's game with Middlesbrough on Sunday. However, Van Persie (groin) will be out until at least the trip to Portsmouth next week, meaning he misses the first leg of the United game, along with left-back Gaël Clichy (back). "We will rotate again, but we have no major injuries from Liverpool," Wenger said. "Manuel Almunia was in full training today and we will see how he responds. Djourou was in full training also so we will see how he is too. But Robin van Persie is definitely out for Sunday and for Manchester United."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in