Laid low: Manchester United's Darren Fletcher is
suffering with a stomach complaint
Darren Fletcher is in danger of missing the
crucial stage of Manchester
United's season as concerns grow over when the
midfielder will be fit to play again.
Fletcher has been at the club's Carrington training ground
only once in the last three weeks for a doctor's check-up, with
manager Sir Alex Ferguson putting his absence down to a
virus.
The 27-year-old is suffering from a stomach problem that
one source has described as 'serious'.
United have been alarmed at his rapid weight loss and lack
of energy since he came down with a temperature on the eve of
United's defeat by Liverpool on March 6. He was a substitute at
Anfield, playing for the last seven minutes, but that was his last
appearance.
Doctors have advised him to stay away from Carrington and
recuperate until they can get to the root of the
problem.
He was hoping to return to training in some capacity this
week but that plan has been put on hold.
Having already missed three games, it appears Fletcher is
no nearer a return and that will come as a huge blow to United as
they head into a critical fortnight in search of the
Treble.
They take on West Ham and Fulham in the Barclays Premier
League looking to stay top of the table, meet Chelsea twice in
their Champions League quarter-final and face Manchester City at
Wembley in the last four of the FA Cup.
Injury doubt: Edwin van der Sar may miss the trip
to West Ham after an injury in training
Another worry for Ferguson is that goalkeeper
Edwin van der Sar was injured in training and has been rated
doubtful for Saturday's trip to Upton Park.
There is better news for United, however, with Anderson
close to a return following his knee injury. Owen Hargreaves'
shoulder injury is not as bad as first feared.