Nemanja Vidic lay-off longer than expected for Manchester United

Reuters
Friday 19 August 2011 10:18 BST
Comments

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.

Sir Alex Ferguson today confirmed Nemanja Vidic's calf injury is worse than first thought with the Manchester United captain facing up to five weeks on the sidelines.

Central defender Vidic limped out of the 2-1 win at West Brom last Sunday, although it was initially anticipated a nerve issue would keep him out for just two weeks.

However, Ferguson said: "The situation has reversed and Vidic has a calf muscle injury, which means he'll maybe be four to five weeks."

There was some good news for Ferguson, though, with Vidic's regular defensive partner Rio Ferdinand seemingly set to return quicker than anticipated from a hamstring injury also sustained at The Hawthorns.

Ferguson's assessment at the time was Ferdinand would be sidelined for six weeks, missing England's Euro 2012 double-header against Bulgaria and Wales next month, as well as the start of United's latest Champions League quest.

However, following a visit to a specialist in Munich during the week, the injury is not as bad as first feared.

Although the centre back has not been definitively ruled out of Monday's clash with Spurs at Old Trafford, it is more likely he will be ready to face Arsenal at home six days later.

"Rio is not as bad as we thought and he could be ready for our game with Arsenal," said the Scot.

"I don't think he'll be ready for Monday, but it's amazing how assessments can change in the space of a few days."

Ferguson will now pair Phil Jones and Jonny Evans together at the heart of his defence for the visit of Spurs, whilst Chris Smalling will fill in at right back.

Ferguson at least has Patrice Evra available again at left back after he missed the game at West Brom with a knee injury.

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