Manchester United's controversial captain Roy Keane will have to decide whether to undergo a hip operation his manager Alex Ferguson said today.
The 31-year-old former Irish national skipper, who added to his problems after being sent off for elbowing Sunderland's Jason McAteer in the 1-1 draw on yesterday, could be out for up to three months if he has the operation.
"He has felt his hip for a while. The problem is what to do about it," Ferguson told the Sunday People.
"He could go on for the rest of the season if he has the odd injection and treatment. It's possible he could stagger on until the end of the season by re-gathering himself as only he can do but we are actually taking it game to game at the moment."
Ferguson will leave any decision on an operation up to Keane.
"It will always be the player's decision but when you look at Freddie Ljungberg and Robbie Fowler you are talking two to three months out."
However there has been speculation that should Keane be punished by the Football Association (FA) for comments made about intentionally injuring Norwegian midfielder Alf-Inge Haaland in his autobiography he would have the operation to see out his suspension.
Keane is also likely to receive a three match ban for his elbow on McAteer, who was part of the Ireland squad that was let down by Keane when he launched a foul mouthed tirade against manager Mick McCarthy and was sent home prior to their World Cup opener with Cameroon.
AFP