Sir Alex Ferguson has denied Javier Hernandez is
suffering from a long-term brain condition after the Manchester
United striker was hospitalised with concussion.
Hernandez was taken to hospital and kept in overnight after
being struck on the head by a ball during a training session in New
Jersey on Tuesday night.
The doctor at Hernandez's former club, Chivas Guadalajara of
Mexico, claimed the forward has suffered from similar problems in
the past and had received treatment for them.
However, United boss Ferguson said this was the first he'd heard
of the possibility of a pre-existing condition, but said the
23-year-old would be given as much time as it takes for him to
recover.
"I'm not aware of that," said the Scot, when it was suggested
Hernandez had suffered from neurological problems in the past.
"This is a straightforward concussion.
"He was hit on the top of the head with the ball in the early
evening.
"When he was back at the hotel, taking his meal, he felt sick
and he was sick. He had headaches, so we removed him to
the hospital where he stayed in overnight.
"They did the MRI scans and that was all-clear. They released
him yesterday and he travelled down [from New Jersey to Washington,
DC] today.
"Concussion is something you don't want to happen but usually
time heals that and we'll give Chicharito plenty of time.
"We won't be rushing him back. I'll only bring him back when the
doctor tells me I can bring him back."
In reports from Mexico, Chivas' doctor Rafael Ortega said
Hernandez had fallen victim to acute migraines.
"I remember in his time as a youth player, he suffered from
acute migraines," said Ortega.
"Originally it manifested itself as a headache, but afterwards
the symptoms disappeared.
"We had some studies done on him but that was six years ago and
he has done well since.
"I don't know if there is a connection between the two
situations. I'm not up to date with the current situation, we would
have to speak to a neurologist.
"I don't know if this can affect him in the future. I'm sure
United will send him to a specialist and the situation will be
resolved."
Hernandez, who scored 20 goals in his debut season last term,
was taken ill at the team hotel and was rushed to hospital after he
began vomiting.
After spending a night under medical supervision, and a series
of tests, Hernandez was allowed back to the team hotel.
He missed United's 4-0 win over an MLS All-Stars team on
Wednesday and did not fly with the squad to Washington DC
yesterday, instead being driven the 250 miles to the final
destination of the tour.
United take on Barcelona tomorrow in a re-run of last season's
Champions League final, which Pep Guardiola's Spanish side won
3-1.
"Barcelona's performances and feats over the last two or three
years have elevated them in everyone's mind. They're the best team
currently in the world," said Fergie.
"I'm quite happy to be in second place at this moment in time,
because it means we are the nearest challengers to them.
"Our challenge is to get to that level. It's not just about the
football team - it's the philosophy, what they believe in, how they
coach, how they produce young players.
"We have the same drive ourselves to produce young players. If I
thought they'd play all their young players on Saturday then I'd
play all mine and it would be a fascinating game."