Scholes unlikely to need hernia operation

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes is unlikely to need surgery on his hernia problem.

Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes is unlikely to need surgery on his hernia problem.

The England international has not played for three weeks, with United hoping a period of rest would return the 28-year-old to full fitness.

"He's feeling a bit easier and the news is a bit more encouraging," manager Alex Ferguson said. "It's the first sign of recovery of the injury.

"We won't be doing the operation at the moment and if he gets through this without it, it will prove to be a real bonus to us."

England will also be watching Scholes's progress closely before the decisive Euro 2004 qualifier in Turkey on October 11th.

Scholes has had two previous hernia operations.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter