Ferguson allays injury worries

Tue, Jan 15, 2013, 00:00

   

Soccer: Alex Ferguson has eased fears of a double-injury blow for Manchester United after Ashley Young and Nemanja Vidic were both forced out of Sunday's Premier League win over Liverpool.

Young failed to appear for the second half after hurting his knee in a tangle with Daniel Agger, whilst Vidic suffered a blow to the head, having already apparently taken a bang on the knee that has caused him so many problems during 2012.

However, scans have revealed neither man has suffered extensive damage, although Young could miss Sunday's trip to Tottenham in addition to Wednesday night's FA Cup replay with West Ham.

"Actually, Nemanja's knee is okay," Ferguson told MUTV. "It was concussion. He had a little bit of concussion but he's okay and fine. He trained (on Monday) and was good. Obviously, Young has got a dull knock, a little bit of a strain on the knee, but it's nothing serious. I think he'll be back next week. Maybe not for Tottenham (on Sunday) but, the week after, he should be okay."

The news of Vidic is particularly welcome given he has had two operations already on the knee he ruptured cruciate ligaments in during the Champions League defeat to Basle in December 2011.

It was unlikely the Serbian would have been selected to face the Hammers anyway, with Phil Jones and Chris Smalling set to be partnered together in central defence as Jonny Evans continues to rest his hamstring strain. However, Wayne Rooney is expected to play for the first time since he suffered a minor knee injury during training on Christmas Day.

Nani should also be involved after missing 15 games with the hamstring injury he sustained against Braga at the beginning of November.

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