Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, who missed Bulgaria’s recent trip to Croke Park with an ankle injury, is facing at least two more weeks on the sidelines.
The Bulgarian captain suffered the problem during the 2-0 Premier League defeat at Fulham two weeks ago.
He subsequently pulled out of his country’s World Cup qualifying double-header against the Republic of Ireland and Cyprus, and he will play no part in Sunday’s league clash against Aston Villa.
“It’s probably going to be another two weeks,” said Ferguson. “Hopefully he will be back training with us at the end of next week and he will be okay after that.”
It leaves Ferguson with a major selection headache for Sunday’s clash with Aston Villa as Wayne Rooney is also out through suspension.
In addition, Carlos Tevez is not due back from South America until later this afternoon following Argentina’s stunning six-goal hammering in Bolivia.
“I think he gets back from Mars about 4pm,” joked Ferguson. “With Dimitar out and Wayne suspended hopefully Carlos will be okay. That will give us one striker, then we will have to choose another.”
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